The True Post(Web News)Federal Minister Patty Hajdu has announced that the Canadian government is launching an investigation into allegations of “unpaid work” in the airline sector. This move comes as Air Canada flight attendants continue their strike, which has disrupted thousands of flights across the country.
Key Complaint from the Union
The union representing Air Canada flight attendants claims that employees are not compensated for duties performed while the aircraft is not in the air, even though attendants continue to perform various responsibilities during that time. Minister Hajdu described these allegations as “deeply disturbing.”
She noted that she has asked the federal labor department whether any formal complaints have been filed regarding unpaid work, but, to her knowledge, none have been reported. Nonetheless, she assured that if the investigation confirms these claims, legislation will be introduced to close any loopholes.
“I want Canadians to have confidence that if unpaid work is found, remedies will be implemented, legally or otherwise,” Hajdu said.
Investigation Will Take Time
The minister explained that the investigation will span several weeks, during which officials will interview airlines and unions to obtain a full understanding of collective agreements in the Canadian airline sector.
Strike and Government Action
This announcement comes just days after Hajdu requested the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to enforce binding arbitration between Air Canada and the union. The flight attendants’ union, however, defied this order and continued the strike.
On Monday, the CIRB declared the strike illegal, but flight attendants remain on the picket line, leaving Air Canada flights grounded for a third consecutive day.
Political Reactions
Hajdu acknowledged that issuing a binding arbitration order just hours into the strike was a “difficult decision.” She explained that both parties had already reached a deadlock, unable to find a path forward.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment that both sides could not reach an agreement at the bargaining table, highlighting the critical role flight attendants play in ensuring passenger safety and stressing that fair compensation is essential.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also emphasized that every worker deserves a fair wage and that any final agreement must benefit employees, the company, and Canadians alike.
Economic Impact and Call for Flexibility
Hajdu said the dispute is now primarily in the hands of the union and the airline and urged both parties to show flexibility to minimize disruptions for Canadians. She noted, “Everyone must compromise a little in collective agreements; no party gets everything they want.”
Meanwhile, thousands of passengers have been affected nationwide, and economic activities are experiencing negative impacts, which experts have described as an “economic shock.
