The True Post(Web News)The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing Air Canada flight attendants, announced on Monday night that negotiations with the airline have resumed. The union stated that Air Canada reached out to initiate talks, and both parties are moving forward in their “continued attempts to reach a fair deal” to resolve the strike that has paralyzed flights for several days.
In an online update to its members, CUPE mentioned that discussions began Monday evening in Toronto under the supervision of federal mediator William Kaplan. However, the union emphasized that the strike is “still on” and that the negotiation process is “just commencing.”
Public Opinion Backs Flight Attendants
A recent poll shows that the majority of Canadians support the flight attendants’ position in this labor dispute. Experts note that public sentiment can exert pressure on both the government and Air Canada management and may play a key role in facilitating a resolution.
Air Canada Management’s Position
Earlier on Monday, Air Canada’s Chief Operating Officer stated that flight attendants needed to return to work before the airline could move forward with negotiations. The union, however, insisted that the strike would not end until a formal agreement was reached at the bargaining table.
Government Intervention and Legal Orders
During the strike, union officials defied an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on Sunday, which instructed them to return to work immediately. This order followed the federal government’s use of Section 107 of the Labour Code, which compelled both sides into binding arbitration.
Flight Cancellations Extended
As a result of the ongoing strike, Air Canada announced on Monday that all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights would be canceled until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The disruption has not only inconvenienced thousands of passengers but also put significant pressure on Canada’s aviation industry.
The situation remains fluid, with mediators working to bring both sides together while the strike continues to affect air travel across the country.
