Air Canada flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s latest contract proposal, but passengers can be assured that flights will continue as scheduled.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants, announced that 99.1 per cent of members voted against the tentative deal. Voter turnout was high, with 94 per cent of members casting ballots.
The rejected agreement, presented on August 19, included an immediate eight per cent wage increase for senior flight attendants, a 12 per cent hike for those with five years or less experience, and partial pay for pre-flight duties — one of CUPE’s longstanding concerns. The proposal also offered adjustments to pensions and benefits.
Despite the rejection, passengers will not face disruptions. Both Air Canada and CUPE had previously agreed that in the event the deal was not ratified, the wage portion of negotiations would move to mediation, and if unresolved, to binding arbitration. As part of this framework, neither side can initiate a strike or lockout.
In a statement released September 6, Air Canada confirmed that “flights will continue to operate,” noting that the mediation process is ongoing and arbitration remains an option if necessary.
The assurance comes after a brief illegal strike last month caused widespread cancellations before the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered attendants back to work. Air Canada has since processed more than 20,000 passenger reimbursement claims linked to that disruption.
While negotiations continue, Air Canada emphasized that customer service and flight operations remain unaffected, with no risk of cancellations linked to the current labour dispute.