As talks resume Friday to try to avoid a possible strike at Air Canada next week, the airline’s flight attendants are planning for a “day of action” at airports across Canada on Monday.
Their union and the company are back at the bargaining table in Montreal after the Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees voted 99.7 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.
Air Canada’s 10,000 unionized flight attendants are in a position to walk out as early as 12:01 a.m. on August 16, which could cause disruptions through the end of the busy summer travel season.
With that mandate, the union is calling on its members to gather, in uniform, at some of Canada’s biggest airports on Monday to draw attention to the talks and show solidarity with their bargaining committee.
“We are inviting all members to stand in solidarity with your bargaining committee, while they bargain, as we continue to push for a fair deal at the table,” read a post on Air Canada Component of CUPE’s Facebook page.
The demonstration at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Airport is scheduled for 1 p.m. on August 11.
“This action is in direct response to where things stand at the table. With your support and your presence, we send a powerful message: Your participation is critical. This is our time to stand up. This is our time to stand strong.”
For now, Air Canada and CUPE are sounding a positive note.
The airline says it is focusing on reaching a deal and not planning any flight cancellations at this point.
The union says it is waiting to see how the company responds to its proposals about higher wages and unpaid work.