Air Canada announced on 14/8 that it would "reduce most flights" for the next 72 hours after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced its intention to strike.
"The first flights will be canceled on 14/8, followed by further cancellations on 15/8, culminating in a complete suspension of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights on 16/8," the airline stated.
The airline explained that this was the best way to minimize disruption for passengers after failing to reach a temporary agreement with the union representing its 10,000 flight attendants.
Air Canada warned that many passengers could be stranded during the strike. "Air Canada serves approximately 130,000 passengers daily, including 25,000 Canadian citizens returning from abroad. All are at risk of being stranded if flight operations are disrupted," the airline cautioned.
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An Air Canada aircraft at Calgary International Airport, Alberta, on 6/8. Photo: AFP |
An Air Canada aircraft at Calgary International Airport, Alberta, on 6/8. Photo: AFP
Passengers whose flights are canceled will receive a full refund if they cannot be accommodated on alternative flights arranged by Air Canada with other airlines.
Air Canada clarified that flights operated by Jazz and PAL, two regional partner airlines, would continue as scheduled during the strike. However, these airlines account for only about 20% of Air Canada's total operating capacity.
The dispute between Air Canada and CUPE centers on wages. After eight months of negotiations, CUPE remains dissatisfied with Air Canada's proposed salary increases and other benefits, and has rejected the proposal to continue negotiations through government arbitration.
CUPE announced that the strike would begin on 16/8. The duration of the strike remains uncertain.
While Air Canada does not operate domestic flights within the US, it is a major international carrier and serves as a crucial link between the two countries.
American passengers planning to travel to or connect through Canada to reach Europe, Asia, and other destinations are advised to closely monitor announcements from the airline.
Duc Trung (According to CBC, USA Today)
