TORONTO: Air Canada has suspended all flights after a full-scale strike by nearly 10,000 of its employees.
The move comes after months of failed negotiations between the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents a large portion of Air Canada’s workforce.
According to international media reports, talks between the two parties had been ongoing for nearly eight months but ultimately failed, prompting the union to call a nationwide strike.
On average, Air Canada operates about 700 flights per day. With operations now suspended, it is estimated that about 130,000 passengers will be affected each day. Additionally, about 25,000 Canadians could find themselves stranded abroad as a result of the work stoppage.
The strike was reportedly sparked by issues including stagnant pay and an increase in workload without additional compensation. The workers claim that the current compensation structure fails to reflect rising inflation and the growing demands of their roles.
In response, Air Canada said it has offered employees a proposal that includes a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over the next four years, including benefits, salaries and pensions. The airline maintains that its employees are among the highest paid in the country.
However, the union rejected the offer, saying that the proposed 8 per cent increase in the first year is not enough to address the current life crisis.
Air Canada has assured affected passengers that they are eligible for a full refund and can submit requests through the airline’s website or mobile app.
