Cabin crew at Air Canada, the country’s national carrier, have announced they will not return to work despite a government back-to-work order, and will continue their strike, according to a statement from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) cited by Radio Canada.
“Your bargaining committee and CUPE’s chief counsel have just completed hearings regarding the ministerial directive under Section 107. We are still on strike,” the union’s statement read.
Workers Demand Fair Deal
The striking employees urged Air Canada’s leadership to resume negotiations and “reach a fair agreement.”
The dispute centers on wages. Workers claim that Air Canada has refused to raise salaries for cabin crew – including flight attendants and stewards – to match industry standards, inflation, or even the federal minimum wage.
Government Intervention
Canada’s Employment and Families Minister, Patty Hajdu, had ordered striking employees back to work and launched an arbitration process between the airline and the union. Despite this, the strike continues.
Travel Disruptions
The strike has forced Air Canada to suspend all flights, a move impacting an estimated 130,000 passengers.
Passengers at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, were seen watching demonstrations by striking workers holding signs and banners.
