NBFL Congratulates Flight Attendants on Reaching a Tentative Agreement

On behalf of 40,000 workers, the New Brunswick Federation of Labour stands in solidarity with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants who are in the process of reviewing the terms of a tentative agreement negotiated with the airline. An agreement that will put an end to unpaid work.

“I was inspired by Air Canada flight attendants in their fight to end unpaid work, defying the government of Canada’s attempt to trample their right to strike,” says Chris Watson, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. “Labour solidarity has led to a negotiated tentative agreement, showing once again, that the bargaining process does work.”

On August 13, CUPE served notice that flight attendants were in a legal strike position on Saturday August 16. Shortly thereafter, Air Canada served its own notice of locking out flight attendants as of Saturday. On Saturday August 16, not even 24 hours into the work stoppage, the Federal Labour Minister announced that she was legislating flight attendants back to work and forcing them into a binding arbitration process. Flight attendants decided to defy the back to work order and continue on with their strike action. During this strike action, a tentative agreement was negotiated between the union representing flight attendants and Air Canada.

“It was disheartening to see the Government of Canada rush in and interfere with the collection bargaining process and workers Charter right to strike,” adds Watson. “Collective agreement belongs at the negotiating table and not in the hands of government.”

Air Canada’s profits have run into the billions over the past few years, with strong performances even through economic turbulence. The airline can certainly afford to treat its flight attendants with fairness and respect.

Many flight attendants currently do not get paid for the time spent performing critical tasks for passenger safety and comfort. That means when they are doing pre-flight safety checks, helping passengers board, assisting with special needs, or handling emergencies while the plane is at the gate, they are not getting paid. On average, flight attendants in Canada work 35 hours a month without pay because the clock only starts when the aircraft doors close and stops when they open.

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For information, contact:
Chris Watson
President, New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 381-8969