Updated: Tue Oct. 11 2011 20:52:20
CTVNews.ca Staff
Labour Minister Lisa Raitt says she will refer the two failed attempts between Air Canada and its flight attendants to reach a deal to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which prohibits a possible strike until the agency issues a ruling on the case.
Raitt told CTV’s Power Play Tuesday that she intends to refer the issue to the CIRB on Wednesday, and while the agency is probing the matter, “there cannot be a work stoppage.”
“It’s not only about the work stoppage and the notice of the strike, but it’s the overall way in which the ratification failed,” Raitt said of why she wants the CIRB to examine the matter.
Raitt said while the board could render “a quick decision,” it can take all the time it needs to interview all the parties to find out how the Canadian Union of Public Employees reached two agreements with the airline that flight attendants then failed to ratify.
She also said that as a back-up plan, the government does have a notice on the order paper of its intent to introduce back-to-work legislation if flight attendants eventually do strike.
On Sunday, CUPE announced that nearly two-thirds of the flight attendants who took part in a Sunday vote did not support the deal that had been negotiated with Air Canada.
That has put the flight attendants in a legal position to strike at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Air Canada has said it is preparing for the likely possibility that its 6,800 flight attendants could be headed off the job.
Duncan Dee, the chief operating officer of Air Canada, said the airline is “perplexed” as to why its flight attendants rejected back-to-back deals.
“We are perplexed and disappointed that two tentative agreements negotiated in good faith with and unanimously recommended by the democratically elected representatives of our flight attendants have failed to be ratified,” Dee said in a statement posted to the Air Canada website earlier Tuesday.
“Air Canada remains hopeful that a disruption can be avoided.”
In any case, the airline says it intends to offer a partial schedule should a strike ensue.
The flight attendants rejected a prior tentative agreement in August, which sent union negotiators into a new set of talks with Air Canada that produced the deal that was turned down Sunday.
Airline analyst Karl Moore told CTV’s Canada AM that there are some flight attendants who are now calling for heads to roll, after union representatives offered members two unsatisfactory deals in a row.
“The members just don’t feel this is what they want to get out of Air Canada and so voted it (the latest deal) down, and a number of members have gone to set up a petition to oust some of the union officials,” Moore said Tuesday morning.
“So there’s some differences between the officials and the rank and file members of the union.”
Some of the key issues in the dispute between the flight attendants and the airline include wages, pensions, crew rest, working conditions and work rules.
Raitt said Tuesday she was told by union officials that they had received 80 per cent of what they asked for, so it is unclear “what the difficulty is.”
“In this case, we’ve got a situation where two times you’ve had unanimous recommendation of a deal and two times ratification has failed,” Raitt said. “We want to know why, what happened, and we want the parties to talk about what their process was, and maybe there’s something that happened within the ratification vote that the CIRB can take a look at.”
Moore said it is rare for Ottawa to force union members back to work, but like in the recent postal strike, it is the government’s view that an Air Canada work stoppage would harm the economy.
“The argument they are making is that Canada Post, and in this case Air Canada, are so important to our economy that we can’t afford to have them out,” said Moore.
With files from The Canadian Press
Comments are now closed for this story
gatvol, Edmonton
Thank goodness for a government that does its job and keeps us flying!
John
Can anybody please tell me how a government that claims to be conservative feels the need to intervene in every little contract dispute?
Jude
I hate AC, but they have the right to strike…government should not be involved!
Mark frrom MB
the basic issue here is the right to strike. Are peoples lives at stake if this strike occurs, i do not think so. the government should only get involved in this if it is an emergency and I don’t think an A/C strike is. Who is next, maybe it is time for the government to set one wage for everyone. You people who support the government better hope that it does not go to far. You may regret voting for harper. New prisons and imposed wage settlements, sure sounds like communism to me.
Richard L. Provencher
I always thought the union negotiation team spoke for the rank and file. Now two negotiated settlements have been dissed. What gives? Ms. Raitt is correct in sending this file for a review on what happened. It’s time for unions to stop using the public as victims.
Nor’easter gale
Whatever the outcome – if you have a flight booked or not, please remember that those of us in the travel industry who have to deal with the airline mess – are the messengers, not the enemy. Please have the courtesy to be patient with us. If you have to wait while a travel counsellor tries to rebook you as per Air Canada’s lengthy legal mumbo jumbo flexible rebooking policy.. please have a heart and don’t yell. Let’s get through this and get on with life.
Sick Of Unions
Having looked into this from numerous sources, the big issue seems to be with a lower wage for newly hired attendants on a budget division AC is set to introduce. Also, this is not an issue between AC and the union, but an issue between Union Execs and the membership. Whatever way you look at it, this strike should not happen! And if it does, instead of regulating them back to work, Pull a Ronald Reagan and fire all those that walk off the job. Then (since with a strike there is no work anyway) hire all new non-union FA’s on individual contract with a clause prohibiting union membership. it is time to get rid of ALL unions in Canada.
albertam
fire them all, replace them all since ac is one of Canada largest airlines and rich. why don’t they replace the disgruntle union workers who get paid lots of money to be in their positions. then hire people who are out of jobs by hiring them, train them then slowly replace the people who want more then what they get in the job. replace them over a year or two then see what ac would look like. well its an idea come on people its ac make them work for you to get you to your destinations safely with workers who have healthy attitudes.
wargamer
Air, remind me how one person’s opinion should inform national policy? Or are you just venting?
Jayme
Middle class supporter
Alot of what you posted just seems like rumors and with all due respect i find it hard to beleave most of that.Do they have a hard job sure do they have long days sure but does that mean they should get everything they want no.
Working Man
Just another example of the ulrta right wing (tea party types) that are about to make this into george Orwell’s 1984…. Big brother knows what’s good for you!
Jayme
Hilton Shand
Yes they have made money does that mean every worker should get a raise maybe ina perfect world but that alwas does not happen.As for unions are need for a fair wage yes but the key word is fair that does not mean a worker should get 50 times the market value.There are some that use the world fair wage but in the same breath say they refuse to work for anything less then $50 grand a year.As for ac workers i don’t think anyone is saying they should not get a fair wage they should but it does not look good when they rejected 2 deals already.
Air
I spent many a year booking flights for my boss/staff.As time went on, the service became more crappier.I finally nick named in “air crapada”.
Jeremy
Why this woman is in any position of control and power is way beyond me. She has shown in the past to be against the average working Canadian, and soon we as Canadian’s should fight back against limiting worker’s right’s. I believe this issue is “SEXY” enough to warrant the full attention of Ms. Raitt. Shame on you.
Canadian
“like in the recent postal strike” – maybe Mr Moore should try to read a newspaper at least once a year – when the rolling strikes started, Ms Lisa Raitt Harper said the government would NOT intervene – was a crock of a lie after they conspired to to order CUPW back to work after a two week lockout – so much for not interfering!! I think our readers are intelligent enough to know the difference between a strike and a lockout where workers are not allowed to go to work!!
Zoe
I have to say I’m very proud of our labour minister for standing up for the rest of us against the greedy unions. Not really fair for the every day person to have their travel plans interrupted. I really cant understand why in this day and age, we cant just be grateful that we have a job and are able to put food on the table. Im in the medical field, I work really hard, and I make $13 / hour. No benefits , no vacation or sick time. AC workers get way more than that, but the unions are forever greedy. This makes me so angry. Have to start to wonder if Unions have become more of a hassle than a valuable asset in the work place
lc
The cons are going to have to come up with some of their Orwellian language for ministries like environment and labor.The hypocrisy of these anti labor anti environment cons care taking national treasures brings to mind the Bush administration where war became peace and fascism became democracy.Even true believers will only go so far with the duplicity.
John
To all the people who post that AC is not gov’t owned. NO ONE Cares whether its a crown corp or not! The issue is how stupid a strike would be for everyone including the flight attd’s
julie
Air canada offered to pay the flight attendants 9 hours pay for 13 hours work. Presently the flight attendants get paid 5 or 6 hours in a 13 hour working day. Flight crew are only paid for time in the air not on the ground. The problem with their offer was that they dont want to start paying for this for another year. the wage offer was 2 % per year and flight crew have had no raise in 11 years. The flight att. gave 15 percent of their wages to air canada 11 years ago when they cried bankrupcy. Pay is presently 18,000. a year to start.
ronnie h
most passengers don’t know that flight attendants only get paid once the door closes and pushes back from the gate …all the work you see or don’t see like getting to the flight 2hrs before departure ,ground service prior to departure and arrival are all done for free.waiting between flights, delays….still not getting paid …all they get is flying minutes!!!this is only the tip of the iceberg(passengers don’t know anything about our working conditions!!! oh by the way they only fly around 80 to 100hrs a month which equates to 20 to 25hrs a week.still not getting paid for our layovers ect…so if all that think we’ve got it all…think again!15percent wage reduction from bankruptcy protection years ago another reason to want some back while ceo and top amnagement get bonuses and pay raises …whats fair??u tell me
Prof. Pye Chartt
When you bugger the market by shielding a company from its natural competition you end up having to bugger its employees’ natural right to strike…because the broader public does not enjoy the natural commercial alternatives that would exist otherwise and, thus, economic consequences exist. Farce begets farce. Shaft the employees (a smaller bunch) or shaft the public (a bigger bunch). Frankly, I’d like to see Air Canada get the shaft, exclusively, but that’s just because I’m spiteful after being subjected to their crappy overpriced service numerous times, and they “lost” one of my bags on a return flight from (West) Palm Beach once.
Optimistic Pessimist
It is interesting reading all the comments here, but most do not talk about the fact, that the problem here appears to be with the UNION not AC. AC has twice bargained tentative agreements, with the representatives that CUPE has sent. The UNION membership has twice turned down the tentative agreements, that those it sent to bargain on it’s behalf, unanimously recommended acceptance of. Obviously there are issues that the UNION must address, not AC. AC bargained in good faith and twice came to an Agreement of terms, with CUPE. It seems obviously, that CUPE clearly does not represent its membership needs here.
Hilton Shand
I am an employer. And my employers are well paid and enthusiastic. However, at present Canadian corporations have accumulated 500 billion in cash reserves. They are not investing, and will not unless consumer demand increases. It is important that businesses pay their employees adequately, and that we maintain low unemployment. Otherwise, consumer demand will not be sufficient for to support economic growth. Historically, unions have been important to achieving decent wages and working conditions. And this is important to our economy. High income disparity is very bad for the economy. Americas biggest economic problem is that its income disparity is the highest in the industrial world. The result is insufficient demand to support industry.
Gregory Wollf
If worst comes to worst they could pick a day for everyone… and I mean EVERYONE to walk off the job, for good. If the powers that be refuse to comply to your demands then you still have the power to sink their ship.
John Thomas
These F/A’s could be replaced by vending machines, given the level of service offered on Airlines these days. Including Westjet! I can find the “exit” myself, thanks anyways.
Mike
I find it actually sad that the majority of comments to this article are so negative and bitter. If you don’t like AC, then don’t fly AC. It is not like they are going to go broke from the lost revenue because you have already dropped them as your airline of choice.
As for the right for collective bargaining, our current government is notorious for changing the rules of the game when it it to the advantage of their friends and corporate sponsors. Or maybe it is to the current government’s advantage for AC to go belly-up; at least they would have a believable excuse for using the GoC private jets instead of taking a flight with the peasantry.
Joel
Let the attendants strike if they want to. It’s their primary tool in trying to obtain better wages. I wish them luck. The reality is that governments around the world are so out of control these days enacting bogus legislation and catering to corporations. It’s pretty sick.
Lynn
They are turning down an offer worse than the 1st one they rejected. Hope the next one is worse yet and they have no choice but to suck it up and take it! Meanwhile, it will be anything out of Buffalo, N.Y over AC for me!!!!!! I really wish they would cease to be.
reidjr
troy
Is it a hard job sure harded int he world no try and work retail etc its just the same if not harder.As for fighting for rights for the middle class its one thing to have the right to strike its another thing to say give us everything we want that is the issue people have.
Brian
Their only doing this cause none of the MP’s want to fly back and forth on WestJet (only AC has business class).
PDinVIC
I have yet to meet a flight attendent who didn’t have a home, a car and a great lifestyle. If they don’t want the job lots do. And there are lots of us working many extra hours just to keep the job we have with NO security. The reason Air Canada passengers are grumpy is because the flight attendants are terrible. They have no personality (except very few) and the sevice on board is atrocious. I fly internationally and see flight attendants from other countries makinga lot less and they are so pleasant,courteous and really provide top notch service.
Scott
Our present government are anti union. They should keep their nose out of private sector collective bargaining. They say they are only doing it now to help the economy but they force back to work legislation on the railway unions everytime the railways try and hand out insufficent contracts. Nobody meddles when these politicians are looking for a raise!!!
Brian
The real problem here is that the FA’s elected (union) leaders to deal with AC, which they did. Twice. Both times the elected leaders cam back with what they thought were good deals, and recommended to FA’s that they accept, and both times the deals were rejected. Looks like there is a misunderstanding between the union and their leaders. If that is the case, they shouldn’t be going on strike to punish Air Canada (and the passengers), they should be voting in a new set of leaders. In any case, this does not help me and my family get to Florida this weekend for a cruise. Looks like we’ve got a long drive ahead of us. Really nice way to treat someone who has been super elite for the past three years (and gold several consecutive years before that).
BillyG
If Unions want to go on strike they should be liable for damages caused to customers that contract services from the company they are paid by. There are thousands of paying customers who have prepaid for services and booked and paid for Cruises, and Tours and Hotels all over the world that are booked for a specific date or arrival/departure and no monies are refundable. This is so inconsiderate and shameful since they know they Government will force back in a couple of days, yet in those 2-3 days Millions of of dollars will be lost by honest hard working Canadains. It just is one more NAIL in the coffin of Unions and their leaders are too blind to see that that within 3-5 years these types of BEHAVIORS will force Governments to make any service to the PUBLIC and essential service and remove the right to strike and indirectly remove most negotiating power. Good Ridance Unions!!!!
Middle class supporter
It is my understanding that a flight attendant who works in excess of 100hrs per month well exceeds an averg. 40 hr wk wk. as it is only flight time frm a to b that is totalled, after the plane leaves the gate. It is also my understanding that they are not paid for Stats as everyday is the same. They work many hrs without a regular break unlike normal jobs. Most are well educated post ed.includ language skills as well as being certified transport regs. Alll are trained for safety and first aid. They do not necessary reep the benefits of travel as taxes/fees still are paid, and seats have to be avail. I think it is a tough job for anyone in this day and age and they should be respected and paid accordingly as they represent Canada’s working middle class.
Frequent flier
My understanding is that this disconnect is between the flight attendants and their union executives who accepted the offer by Air Canada. Why then is the public being held hostage? If the members do not agree with their elected representatives, replace them. The public pays for seats on Air Canada and is entitled to what they have paid in advance for. To rebook my seats on another carrier at this point will cost four times what I paid in advance. Other expenses are non-refundable. I try to be a loyal customer but these union issues are making it impossible.
Cambob in Toronto
Why do people have this false notion that Air Canada is our national airline? When I fly domestic, I take Westjet. When I go international, I take whoever offers the best value. And that has never been Air Canada. It’s time to let go of this relic from the past and open the skys to competent businesses.
Santino
@Dante aka Mr. Inteligent
Did you ever think that some people book their trips months in advance and are now forced to rearange their vacation agendas do the greed of AC employees. All I am saying going on strike is the same as a child crying for a toy. If you give them the toy, then they will cry every time they want a new toy. Based on your theory “give them what they want” I say where does it end?
Chris
Troy said. “To all the people who say get a real job etc. Should realize that these flight attendents have one of the hardest jobs in the world dealing with crabby, ignorant public everyday, nothing is more diificult” Yeah, we know they have to deal with the public, but SO DO EMPLOYEES OF McDONALDS, TIM HORTONS, AND BURGER KING!!! You don’t see those organizations with unions, do you?!?! They get paid because they service people, they don’t need big bucks an hour to do that!!! They already have benefits, pensions, etc!!! Why do they deserve more money than other people in the service industry? If they’re unhappy with their pay, THEN FIND ANOTHER JOB!!!
kathy
If these employees are so unhappy all the time why don’t they find a different job that they will like. There are loads of people that would love the opportunity to work for AirCanada and get the perks as well as good wage.
Rosanne
Ok all you people that think AC is a CROWN CORPORATION ! There are NOT and have not been for 23 years. So when people shout off their mouths about the crown corporation that is AC, do they really know what they are tlaking about ?
gus
I don’t like taking AC at all. Their employees are very unhelpful and they always look miserable. Compared to other international airlines, in terms of service and attitude, for me, AC is at the very bottom.
In BC
Just returned from a trip on Air Canada, luckily before any strike action could occur. we usually travel on Westjet but this time it couldn’t be helped but go AC. It was Air Canada Jazz, so it was a small plane with only one flight attendant. One way, the attendant seemed fairly content in her job – service was polite and somewhat cheerful. The other way, the attendant did not seem to want to be there although the service was just as good but not as cheerful. The second attendant was older and had probably been in the job longer. It’s easy to say just get another job, but since the flight attendants have a pension attached to their jobs, it is not as easy to quit and lose that pension. This happens with a lot of public servant jobs, where people stay on the job long after they have ceased to enjoy it, just because they would sacrifice a lot of their pension of they were to leave. I am not in support of the strike. I don’t think it would accomplish what the flight attendants want it to as it is only turning the travelling public away from AC. I agree with the other comments that strike action will only result on a loss of flight attendant jobs down the line. I think that unions, AS THEY ARE NOW, have out lived their usefulness and need to be revisited. Before you point the finger at the salaries and benefits paid to the top people at AC, you should also take a look at the amount of salaries and benefits being paid to the top Union executives. I’m willing to bet that you would be suprised.
Robert Primeau
Air Canada is holding customers hostage, the government should pass legislation to allow customers to cancel and get refunds. I am told I can change my flight if available only if in the 6 day window. My employer does not allow me to change my vacation to suit Air Canada added to this any amounts I paid up front for hotels or car rentals will be fofeit. I have to wait till the day of the flight to see if Air Canada cancels it before getting a refund. Force the airline to give us our money back, then open the skyes to foreign carriers, to give us some choices and true competition.
JimofOttawa
I have no problem with Air Canada employees getting a fair contract and utilizing their RIGHT to legally strike. The better the pay and benefits the happier the employee and the better quality of safety and service it’s passengers will receive. I have never received anything but awesome service from Air Canada’s flight crews and will continue to fly with them in future. Why shouldn’t the employees whom have already given up a lot, get their piece of the corporate profits?
dante
@Santino, No I would not be singing a different tune. I have the intelligence to not book a flight cause I follow the news and make my own plans for life based on my needs not the needs of other people. In reality you should support them so they get back to work on the merits of their own contracts. Easy, give them what they want and you can get what you want. Simple solution.
g j
I’ve tabulated the results of all the comments todate:Union is a good thing: 2Flight attendants should grin and bear: 8Unions are out of touch: 7Won’t fly AC any more/let AC fail: 12Agree with Flight Attendants: 1Others: 12
Larry i ontario
I go out of my way to never fly with air Canada. They are the worst airline in the world and could not care less about the customer. They should not be allowed to strike and cause so much disruption. Fire them all and put people to work that want to work
Steven Adler
Good for the employees, they gave up alot for Air Canada and expecting some of it back is not unjustified. Those of you with comments about the union and employees are jealous that these people have obtained good employement and you should be supporting any worker trying to better themselves in the workplace. I think you would like their support if you are fighting for what is fair with your workplace. Yes it may inconvience you, but that is a part of life and if you ever need to strike or walk out then I think you may also incovenience someone but would hope others would understand and support your fight.
Graeme
I realize there are probably regulations why they can’t do this, but as a passenger I’d be fine flying without flight attendants. Offer everyone a full refund if they’re not comfortable with the miniscule added risk of not having flight attendants or upset they won’t get a drink on the flight. The rest of us can figure out how to do up our own seatbelts and understand that in an emergency there are no flight attendants available. I support the employees right to strike, but not to strand a large percentage of Canadian passengers wherever they are. Air Canada may no longer be a crown corporation, but it has such a large presence that other airlines (at least domestically) simply can’t make up for their demand. Of course the NDP will side with the union every time: fine, but side with them in a way that doesn’t keep people from their families.
troy
To all the people who say get a real job etc. Should realize that these flight attendents have one of the hardest jobs in the world dealing with crabby, ignorant public everyday, nothing is more diificult. To all the union bashers well look back into 50 years ago and the only reason their is a middle class is thanks to these organizations. what is wrong with fighting for middle class rights with the elitists pitting us against each other, meanwhile thier wages go up and they make more money. Why are we in finacial crisis, because the 1% is richer than ever and the poor is poorer and ever.
Frustrated Customer
I am tired of booking time off work and trusting AC to keep their flights in order. Should have known not to book with AC. Tough economic times folks, suck it up, enjoy the fact you have a job and sign the agreement. When the economy is better then fight. Pick your battles, as one guy posted he lost his job because of the unions, they won the fight, but lost the war…
Sheri
Let them strike… who cares there are some OTHER great and less expensive airlines like WestJet and Porter. No pity at all for any of the Air Canada workers that whine about their salaries as they always forget to include that they get FREE/greatly reduced fares on flights around the world!!!!
Rob Born Canadian
Mr.Dante,Ive hired employees paid them $35 per hour, plus holiday pay, benefits and a vehicle and I can’t get a full 8 hours out of them. There are jobs up north, they don’t want to leave home and then you wonder why we hire people WHO DO WANT TO WORK AND PUT IN A FULL HONEST DAYS WORK! This is the typical mentalty that I see day in and day out, come in when they want, leave when they want and are constantly demanding and no work ethics what so ever. I gather from your comment that you maybe one of them. Immigrants built this country and don’t you forget it!I think you owe an applogy to some of these hard working people.
Rick
Governments have NO authority in what are supposed to be “Private Enterprise” entities. Legislating back to work orders is just plain WRONG. How are Unions supposed to negotiate in good faith if this sort of behavior by the Government is allowed.
Peter
Hello Javier be smart you just offended other people for no reasons. Please do not compare Country and people from other Country. Otherewise peolpe we compare India too. let’s deal with Air Cadanda issue.
Vahan
AC is not a crown corporation. Get it through your skulls. If this is your argument for hating the union then you are totally off the mark. Educate yourselves. Unions have help sustain the middle class. If you are reading this site you are middle class. Stick up for unions and your way of life.
Santino
@Dante
I really feel that you would be singing a different song if you had a trip booked with AC in the next couple of days.
Bob
Senior Executive positions are relatively few and far between, but require people capable of performing the role, who are in even shorter supply.
As such, yes – there are senior people at Air Canada who command more salary than a flight attendant would. Employees of this class typically have decades of experience, and are the top in their fields.
If flight attendants desire wages on this scale, I would recommend they go back to school and get an MBA (as well as a technical degree) and then put in the necessary dues needed to reach those lofty rungs on the corporate ladder.
No Flight Attendant will ever be paid on that scale, so this is what I recommend to those who aspire to such wages.
Bob
Senior Executive positions are relatively few and far between, but require people capable of performing the role, who are in even shorter supply.
As such, yes – there are senior people at Air Canada who command more salary than a flight attendant would. Employees of this class typically have decades of experience, and are the top in their fields.
If flight attendants desire wages on this scale, I would recommend they go back to school and get an MBA (as well as a technical degree) and then put in the necessary dues needed to reach those lofty rungs on the corporate ladder.
No Flight Attendant will ever be paid on that scale, so this is what I recommend to those who aspire to such wages.
Montreal Man
It’s obvious most people here don’t know a flight attendant at Air Canada. I happen to know a few and can tell you that if you knew the conditions they are dealing with you wouldn’t put up with it either. They have been taking pay cuts for teh past 10 years to make Air Canada profitable. Now that the company is profitable they are trying to reap the rewards of thier sacrifice. I am tired of seeing Air Canada Flight attendants sleeping in airports because of the company’s horrible scheduling of thier employees. Also, most important in my books… who would work 13 hours to get paid for 6.5?!! thats insane!!! nobody here would. If you calculate it at the current salary, they are making minimum wage or less because of the FREE work they are doing. So go find a flight attendant and ask them what thier side of the story is before posting nonsense here about not having a job, GO GET ONE!
Karen
A few necessary clarifications:
a) Air Canada is not a Crown corporation; it has been a publicly traded company since 1989.
b) Air Canada does not get government handouts at all, anymore. Instead, all governments receive hefty incomes from Air Canada through taxation and ‘special fees’ such as airport revenues, landing fees, etc.
c) Air Canada contributes greatly to the Canadian economy, providing jobs and job security to more than 26,000 people directly and many tens of thousand more indirectly.
d) There is nothing wrong with unions or collective bargaining but both sides need to be realistic and negotiate in good faith.
e) Air Canada rarely makes a profit, say every 3-4 years, and when it does it’s a slim one.
f) Air Canada is a well respected, world class, award-winning airline that we can all be proud of.
Bill Emery
Would you work a 13 hour day and be happy only getting paid for 4.5 hours? The flight attendants used to get paid 9 hours for a 13 hour day and gave that up to keep Air Canada alive and now they have to give up more for what? Why not have taxes that the various Government charge AC to operate be lowered. YYZ is the worst for taxes and thank Ontario’s Government for that. AC flight attendants don’t fly for free and EVERY year must recertify for Ministry of Transport regulations or they cannot work. Their job is a little more than just serving you a drink and a meal. You may think it’s easy but imagine working 104 hours in two weeks and all you see is 36 hours on your pay cheque. Before you say get another job, ask yourself would you really follow your own advice? Didn’t think so.
Kevin in Alberta
The unions, always the unions. Teachers do not strike until September, posties used to go on strike end of November and so on and so forth. It is called blackmail and I for one am so relieved that the NDP is not running this country. If that were the case, the unions would rule the land and most businesses would relocate elsewhere.
dante
@javier.. This is Canada not China so don’t bring your ‘FU to employees’ attitude here. Canadians have worked hard to build employment security here and you and I both know that Chinese like to hire Chinese for jobs here. That is totally accurate. Skilled trades that once garnered $25/hour here are now and have been sitting at $12/hour for the same skills which by the way were earned thru many years of building industries only to have immigrants come here and reduce the wages. If you don’t believe me look on craig’s list and see how many jobs offer no or little salary. The same could be said to you, If you do not like it here in Canada go back.
deborah ann
Needless to say the Harper government will interviene and send these winers back to work. Be happy you have good paying jobs with pensions and plans. I have not seen a raise in years either but I am very happy at times like these to have a good job. Forget striking, put a smile on your faces and work like we all do!!!!
TC
As a crown corporation, tax payers have the right to expect Air Canada to provide services to Canadians. If air attendants are not happy working for the government for Canada, then go work for WestJet.
The_Central_Scrutinizer
All of you that feel that unions no longer have a place in this world should realize that the factors that made the unions necessary in the first place are still in place.
The main one is the mandate that business must maximize profit at any cost.
Lose the unions all of the benefits that they brought to EVERY worker will be chipped away until we are all back working for bare subsistence level food shelter, 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions, only to be discarded when we can no longer perform because of age or injury.
Don’t think this can happen?
Note that the Feds have shown that they are willing to intervene in our right to collective bargaining.
In fact, they already have.
Once or twice may not seem like much, but neither does that first snowflake that starts an avalanche.
Sue
To me it is simple. You don’t like your job or you don’t like your pay, QUIT! I am sure a lot of other people would love to take over from you. A job is providing a service. If you think your service is worth more than your employer is willing to pay then find yourself a new employer. A flight attendance and a restaurant waitress are no different, they both provide service to customer, how often have you see waitress go on strike? This is ridiculous! No pity and no sympathy from me.
Sharon Collins
I don”t travel AC. West Jet for me. We as tax payers have given this airline enough handouts. There is not to many people that have had a raise in 5 years. There is wage freezes going on. They should be luckily to have a job. If AC can”t make a profit, close it and let another airline have there routes. I”m NOT paying one more dime to keep this airline in business.
Bessie
A new Air Canada flight attendant is hired at approx. $18,000.
Check out the following -
From Bloomberg Business
Financial Statements for AIR CANADA-CLASS A (AC/A)
Year over year, Air Canada has been able to grow revenues from C$8.9B to C$9.9B. Most impressively, the company has been able to reduce the percentage of sales devoted to cost of goods sold from 84.66% to 78.19%. This was a driver that led to a bottom line growth from a loss of C$24.0M to a gain of C$107.0M.
Income paid in 2010 to -
AC/A Top Compensated Officers
Mr. Calin Rovinescu
Chief Executive Officer, President and Direct…
Age: 55
Total Annual Compensation: C$1.4M Mr. Michael S. Rousseau
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice Pr…
Age: 52
Total Annual Compensation: C$518.0K Mr. Duncan Dee
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice Pr…
Total Annual Compensation: C$500.0K Mr. Benjamin M. Smith
Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice P…
Total Annual Compensation: C$425.0K Mr. David Legge
Senior Vice President of Operations
Total Annual Compensation: C$346.9K
flying ac
I think anyone who works for the goverment has no right to strike. The workers already get a great pay and pension alot better than all the self employed and the store workers. I will still fly AC just because I like to support Canada.
Javier
It is true that Union protect workers, but some Union also brew lazy people. I am from Asia, and our work culture and attitude is very different. We have huge population back home, and if you don’t like your job or want to complaint, don’t worry, there are 6 million people that will gladly do your job……
My friends went back to Hong Kong after University and they were getting paid $9000 HKD a month (roughly $1200 CDN), and they work unpaid overtime almost every second day. 3 years later, they are already making over 70K CDN. People need to change their attitude, they need to understand how lucky they are to even have a stable job. While I don’t like AC, their employees need to take responsibility for their actions too!! We are customers, and we shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip!!
Doug ^^^ BC
The post by “Craig in NS” says it all.The same thing happened to me “Craig”.I had over 26 years invested in the company I worked for,when another union at that company went on strike.In spite of the fact that we were among the top 5 in BC in terms of wages and benefits.When all the dust finally settled,this huge multin national company closed it’s operatins in Canada,and more than 4000 people lost good,full time,high wage jobs. Be careful what you ask for from AC.You just might get it.But you just might have if for very long. Two things come to mind.First,is whether or not AC employees now contemplating a strike aer treated fairly,rleative to other workers doing the same jobs eleswhere.Since the value of a job is a somewhat subjective conclusion,that’s the only thing we have to evaluate the rationale of the workers decision to strike. Secondly,even if AC did make a profit,why it that not a good thing? Only in Canada is “profit” a dirty word.People invest money to build industry and business.Would you invest if you knew any profit you madewould simply be confiscated by employees?Employees who invested not one thin dime.Took no risks with their money.And who got paid their wages whether the company made money,or lost money. And finally,Canada is a high cost producer of almost everything we make.The ONLY way to keep our jobs is to find ways to compete in world markets.The fact that AC gets a lot of it’s repair and maintenance work done outside of Canada should telly you something.That being,that no company can be the most expensive to run,and still stay in business. Like I said.Be careful.Like the union that put our company out of business,you could win this battle,and still lose the war.
Santino
Pretty Selfish move considering most people only get 2 weeks vacation a year. To have ruined by employee issues seems very unprofessional. Will not be booking with Air Canada anymore!!
Gord from Ottawa
What I don’t understand is why private sector workers are represented by a public sector union. CUPE and its ilk do not understand the private sector and the need for restraint for a business, in this case Air Canada, to survive. Their mindset is based on on public sector economics wherein they ask for the sky and the increases are just handed over to the taxpayers in the form of increased taxes or larger deficits. It’s time for public sector unions to get out of the private sector.
Panda
Not to be a pain, but we are in some very hard times right now and I bet a lot of us are unhappy with our pay/work situation too.
I am never a fan of Air Canada. You can clearly tell their employees don’t enjoy their job. Most of the AC agents/employees I have dealt with are almost always unhappy at work, have bad attitudes and they just don’t seem like they care at all. It is okay if you employees sitting in offices have an attitude and never smile, but they must do something with their front line employees!! Pay is NOT always the only option, something must be done……
I started taking Cathay Pacific when I travel back to Asia now, but not really a choice when I travel for work in Canada. Hopefully they can resolve something soon……
Park
Can I have their job…….please
Laughable
“Without unions, we are going back to the ice age. Do we really want that?”
Strangest comment of the year.
NIkrules
They took government money to bail their butts out only back in 2009, now they pull this? They should have been allowed to fail like Canada 3000 and Canadian air. Don’t like being a sky waitress don’t do the job. I don’t want to be naked so I’m not a stripper.
Jack Sellers
If your a truck driver, don’t advise a surgeon how to operate. If your a janitor, don ‘t tell a stock broker how to buy or sell.
I hope those who posted there suggestions here are getting the picture.
No one knows what is being negotiated except those negotiating.
Leave the stock Market to the Stock Brokers, leave Surgeries to the Surgeons and negotiating to negotiators.
If theres a storm and your flight is cancelled, don
dante
I agree with Air Canada Flight attendants. If you have been paying dues for years you have the right to a fair contract. Breaking and not honoring employment agreements is becoming a norm in Canada even if you are not in a union. Strike….It is your business and your future that is on the line so why not exercise your right to do so. Many of the posts here are self centered. It is not your job or contract that is messed up. Allow others the opportunity to protect their incomes and families on their own merits. It is their business not your. If you pay insurance every paycheck that money is out or your pocket so why not fight.
Sick of AC employees and their constant whinning!
Air Canada is a good example of “How Not To Run A Company”. I’m surprised they are still in existence. As for the flight attendants, the mile high waitress, should be happy to have a job. We all work in conditions we are not too happy with, but make do. As a publically funded company, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Yan
To AM, first, AC did make a profit. Therefore, some salaries increase are long overdue. Secondly in the private sectors, employees who have unions also have the rights to strike if they feel they are mistreated. If you are not permitted to do that, that’s because you don’t have an union. Thirdly, some AC employees did leave. Those who stay are here to fight for what are rightfully theirs. Lastly, they aren’t held prisoners by their AC unions, either. In fact, AC employees have rejected the contract negotiated by their unions.
Without unions, we are going back to the ice age. Do we really want that?
Prof. Pye Chartt
Two “wrongs” (protecting Air Canada from true market competition and tying the hands of its workers by messing with their right to strike) don’t make a “right”…they make for a commercial and labor farce that screws Canadians. There’s no genuine ‘fix” at play here.
Dee
Can any of these people actually say they ‘love’ their job? When the rest of us are unhappy with our pay, we find other work. Hello?
Steven Szekeres
I have 2 flights booked on air Canada this month. Both of them are visits to prospective business schools and few other airlines fly to these destinations. If I cannot get here, I could blow my chances of gettting into my dream school. Please consider the customers in your fight to meet employee demands. Don’t use us as leverage to meet these demands because we are not involved in your battle.
Huguette
What I would like to know, are the union votes done be secret ballot or show of hands. That is one detail we are not informed about on any strike votes. My opinion? pull a Reagan
Paul who now flies from the USA
Air Canada can fold as far as I’m concerned. Maybe through the Federal cash towards making VIA a better option for Coast-to-Coast travel. If we honestly believe we need an International Air Carrier to represent Canada, we could start by offering decent service, fair pricing, and have people work for us instead of against us.
Stuck Mid-Trip
I spent over $700 to see my son in Montreal, need to get back to work at home on Thursday. Was I stupid to book on Air Canada without checking its labour situation? What kind of airline can be successful if customers are afraid to book? If my flight is cancelled, you can bet I will never book Air Canada again. Business decreases, people lose jobs, possibly the whole airline will fail… how is this good for employees? To hardworking employee: the economic situation of ten years ago looks like a distant dream these days… If your management level is greedy and not treating you well, please don’t take it out on your customers!
Ben
I don’t travel re Air Canada nor do I use Canada Post – all of you whining employees are slitting your own throats – goodbye!!!
Tim Magill
I am scheduled to fly this Thursday evening to the UK for meetings that cannot be postponed. Reading this makes me frustrated as I have a team of people we employ who count on me being able to get deals done. If I can’t travel that delays the process and it hurts many others.
I respect the right to collective bargaining BUT it would appear in the current global market where there are allot of people either displaced or being displaced that now is not the time to be voting down contracts. Unfortunately I don’t think they get that though. Sadly because of it I can only hope the Harper Government denies them the right to do this and forced the Flight Attendants back to work ASAP.
Catwoman 39
Obviously, there is a problem here. Air Canada has had issues ever since 911, but I don’t think the way the feds are intervening is helping the situation. Might be best to let the union and Air Canada sort out the issues.
Morgan
I am getting very tired of being held hostage everytime someone feels they need a raise. In most cases I pay your salary and yet it is always me that is inconvenienced. If you don’t like the conditions of your job(the very same ones you were told about when you applied for the job) then by all means quit and look for another, but please stop involving me..!!!
Chat
I have been a loyal customer for years and I have an important trip on Saturday. I still have no idea whether I can make it. I feel betrayed by the very company I have been loyal to for years. Is this how you repay the faith? Shameful! Please, try and negotiate whatever deal you want. But don’t take it out on passengers.
AM
@Hard Working Employee- you are out of touch if you think most people are making more than they did 10 years ago – most of us are happy to have jobs and are taxed to death just like you. We have not seen wage increases in years because in the private sector, if there is a recession, my company can’t make money and I can’t afford to give raises.
In the private sector, if you don’t like the terms of your employment, you are welcome to go and find work elsewhere, however you are not permitted to stop working just because things are not going your way.
I often wonder why these AC employees continue to work for an employer they seem so miserable with. Why don’t they go work for WestJet or Porter? These companies are never in the news for labour strife – oh that’s right, they aren’t held prisoner by the unions.
Scott (Alberta Party country)
Regardless of what is happening internally with AC, people are beginning to learn NOT to purchase AC tickets and to go with West Jet. Why? Because AC is becoming more and more unreliable in terms of whether or not they’ll go on strike. If AC cannot be depended upon, then people don’t, and go with the safe alternative… WJet. The issues within AC are the not the people’s concern… the service is. The people can (will) only be disappointed so much before we say bye-bye to Air Canada.
trunorth
They look as friendly on the picket line as they do in flight.
Doug
I have been flying from the U.S. on every business flight for years!I tried to come back to Air Canada many times but they keep whining, complaining and going on strike.For the sake of the employees I hope they stay in business. If not, add my name to those who say “no” to a bailout!
gtamanci
Air Canada hasn’t made a profit in the last 10 years or so…and every couple of month some of their workers want to strike This company should not even be operating if it can’t even make a dime for itself….
Mark
I’m a frequent flyer and fly regularly other airlines like Westjet, Delta, and American Airlines. Air Canada Flight Attendants are excellent at ensuring our safety, albeit service is not always great… but it is the same with other airlines. From what I have noticed, most Air Canada staff is very loyal and genuinenly caring about safety and serving customers; however, are not given the tools nor the support from their management team to offer the service that Air Canada’s management is promising its customers. That is creating a very frustrating and confrontational organizational environment. When things go wrong, never have I seen an Air Canada manager support their front line staff. Further, how can a management team, in any industry, expect their unionized employees to work hand-in-hand with them (work with a common goal) when the employees see little respect from their management. Air Canada management see their unionized employees as a nuisance more then an asset (i.e. it is the front line staff, in any business, that generates the revenues… I guess the haven’t figured this one out). The problem with Air Canada is therefore one of organizational culture (confrontational one) wich must be changed drastically and rapidly for it to survived. This confrontational culture between management and the unions must stop. That said however, only the management team, lead by it’s executives and board of directors, are responsible for the leadership, and authenticity required to lead the organizational culture change required. How can employees be seen as respected by their maangement when they have made many many concessions in the past 10 years, and have seen their executives getting richer by the millions? For those of you that say that the flight attendants should get a “real” job and work at McDonald’s etc. Please do not insult organizations such as McDonald’s which devotes (with it’s franchisees) much more time and energy in being effeciently managed and respectful in the management of it’s employees and creating a “winning” organization culture. If The governement wants to implement a back-to-work law for the Flight Attendants, they should at the same time require management and union executives of Air Canada to step-down. Start fresh, make drastic changes, or let it die.
Hard Working Air Canada Employee
Can any one of these people that have posted comments say they actually know what is happening at the Airline. I fully agree with the Attendants being bitter towards the Airline, after all they all took a big hit to their paychecks in 2003-2004 when Air Canada went into CCAA. We now make less then we did in 2003 the cost of everything has keeps going up, other then our paychecks. Meanwhile the management group has taken big bonus’s. I would like to ask all these people if they now make less then they did almost 10 years ago I would be willing to bet they all make more. Air Canada promised us a wage reopener in 2006 if the airline was profitable we believed them gave them all the concessions they asked for we all took almost 20% off in pay concessions, well in 2006 Air Canada decided that we didn’t deserve anything shafted us again.
Well I for one say good for the employees standing up for themselves.
And furthermore Air Canada is in the process of laying off a lot of Aircraft mechanice because they sold off their heavy maintenance department to a company in South America I would like to know how safe these people will feel knowing that the airplane they are now sitting in is being repaired somewhere that doesn’t even have any safety standards by people that can’t even read the repair manuals that are put our by the people building the airplane. All this because they will save a dollar
Scott Cameron
1. It is clear that the Flight Attendants do not have the education, knowledge or understanding of the compensation package and its competitiveness in the country today. They are cutting off their nose to spite their face. 2. The attendants should be taking this action to their union representatives, not to their customers. Shame on AC FA’s. I voted for Harper and his team to protect our country and economy, and the FA’s creating strife and cost to innocent citizens is NOT a right of the FA’s. If the FA’s don’t like their job, find another one or learn to deal with it, just like everyone else.
Bob
Canadians don’t need Air Canada to “fly safely.” They can already do so by switching airlines.
Militant union members should have paid heed to their Executive. They may be forced to take a deal worse than the one currently on offer.
Further, be warned that the public are the Attendants’ customers too. Alienate them too much, and there’s no guarantee you get them back. Considering the state of the global economy, it isn’t stretching it to say that is playing a game of career Russian roulette.
Craig from NS
Unions need to heed the wake up call that is the global economy. You are just shooting yourselves in the foot. The union at our company went on strike last year and when the strike was over 25 per cent of them did not return. They have since lost another 5 per cent of their members. This was mainly because of lost business due to the strike. If the strike did not happen far fewer of them would have lost their good paying jobs.
Hard Working Employee
CUPE has lost its legitimacy and credibility to represent employees. The real workers of Air Canada represent themselves and deserve better treatment, higher wages and improved pension plans if Canadians expect to continue to fly safely in the air. The Harper Government will be in big trouble if they try to stop this protest.
Tom Dryden
A monopoly airline is indeed an essential service. I am booked to fly to an important meeting about a week after the strike could begin. If my flight is canceled, even if I can reschedule the flight, I will lose my prepaid hotel costs and likely lose the contract which I have invested many hours and dollars to have this one chance to acquire. Since Air Canada has accepted taxpayer bailouts in the past they should be subject to back-to-work legislation. I would rather fly with a handpacked lunch than choke back a very poor meal served by a surly and often slovenly dressed flight attendant.
Rob
If they don’t like what they’ve been offered, they should go find another job. I hear they’re hiring at fast food joints in Fort McMurray. Thank goodness we have a government that’s willing to step in…
John
These unions must be crushed!
Dean in Abby
It is very clear that the union is completely out of touch with reality and should be dissolved. Clearly they are not negotiating in good faith and should be taken to court over this nonsense. Goodness knows the union would try the same if the management group had pulled this crap Otherwise, let the airline fail. Why be afraid of this? Another one will fill the void and most likely be profitable Flight attendants have this view that they are the most important group in the air. They only need high school education and the FREE education the airline gives them. I understand they think its a hardship to actually work up to 100 hours per month too. I wonder how they would do having to work a real job and do 160 or more hours per month and have to produce something in order to stay employed? Get a grip you union hacks. Try a real job instead of the cushy, climate controlled “jobs” you have. See what its like to WORK for a living. Let the airline die along with its greedy union!
Goodbye AirCanada!
ahhh good ol’ greed, these obsolete flight attendants can save themselves the trouble, I’ll figure out how the seat belt works on my own.
Ross
If the government forces the flight attendants back to work they all should turn around and sue the government it is the right to do so.
Will
Air Canada is NOT too big to fail. Let the airline die and then create a new (better one) in its place.
Disgruntled Flier
I swore off flying with Air Canada years ago, and everytime I hear of the company in the news, or talk to someone who’s just travelled with them, I remember why I made that (good) decision!
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