Air Canada Flight Attendants Issue Urgent 72-Hour Strike Notice

URGENT UPDATE: The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has just issued a 72-hour strike notice for Air Canada flight attendants, escalating tensions after negotiations for a new contract reached a standstill. This strike notice, confirmed early Wednesday morning, means that flight attendants could potentially walk off the job as soon as Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 12:58 a.m. ET.

The union’s announcement follows Air Canada’s declaration of an impasse in talks. Earlier today, CUPE reported that the airline had sent a lockout notice at 1:30 a.m. ET, complicating the already strained negotiations. This unprecedented move has left many travelers anxious as they face the possibility of flight cancellations.

In a statement to CTV News, CUPE emphasized that Air Canada has “decided they no longer want to negotiate,” revealing a deepening rift between the two parties. Earlier this week, the union overwhelmingly supported strike action, voting 99.7 percent in favor of giving their representatives a strike mandate, which remains effective for the next 60 days.

Air Canada attempted to resolve the situation by proposing a binding arbitration process to secure a new contract. However, CUPE declined this offer, stating it would suspend the union’s right to strike alongside the airline’s right to lock out members.

Travelers are urged to stay informed as Air Canada has announced it will notify customers of any potential flight cancellations, allowing them to request a full refund through the airline’s website or mobile app.

As the situation develops, the impact on air travel is expected to be significant, with many passengers potentially stranded or facing delays. The looming strike poses a risk not only to Air Canada’s operations but also to the broader aviation industry, which is still recovering from previous disruptions.

With negotiations at a standstill, all eyes are now on Air Canada and CUPE as they navigate this critical juncture. Travelers, employees, and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring the situation as the Saturday deadline approaches.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.