Flight Attendant strike vote opens on July 28th

[confusedalot]

have sympathy for the juniors that only catch up to the equivalent of minimum wage after 4 years. others seem to be doing well or very well.don't know of many groups requesting 100% and getting it. 38% seems to look like a slightly above average ballpark figure in comparison to other offers elsewhere.

the high request is to catch up from a previous bad contract, right?

[TalkingPie]

have sympathy for the juniors that only catch up to the equivalent of minimum wage after 4 years. others seem to be doing well or very well.don't know of many groups requesting 100% and getting it. 38% seems to look like a slightly above average ballpark figure in comparison to other offers elsewhere.

the high request is to catch up from a previous bad contract, right?

38% is a number contrived by management, and even they used the weasel word "compensation." The actual wage increase on the table was 8% the first year. Over the last 10 year contract, wage increases lagged published inflation such that you'd need at least that much of a raise just to not take a real wage decrease.

Much of what AC management has been putting out there has ranged from disingenuous to outright lies. And did you hear that the CIRB spokesperson, Maryse Tremblay, who ruled on the return-to-work order, previously worked for years as Air Canada's legal counsel together with Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, AC's chief human resource officer (and the person who requested the return-to-work order on behalf of AC)?

[Dias]

Finally a real union. They have the plant but you have the power. Expose these corrupt scumbags. I hope the whole country strikes.

[newlygrounded]

have sympathy for the juniors that only catch up to the equivalent of minimum wage after 4 years. others seem to be doing well or very well.don't know of many groups requesting 100% and getting it. 38% seems to look like a slightly above average ballpark figure in comparison to other offers elsewhere.

the high request is to catch up from a previous bad contract, right?

38% is a number contrived by management, and even they used the weasel word "compensation." The actual wage increase on the table was 8% the first year. Over the last 10 year contract, wage increases lagged published inflation such that you'd need at least that much of a raise just to not take a real wage decrease.

Much of what AC management has been putting out there has ranged from disingenuous to outright lies. And did you hear that the CIRB spokesperson, Maryse Tremblay, who ruled on the return-to-work order, previously worked for years as Air Canada's legal counsel together with Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, AC's chief human resource officer (and the person who requested the return-to-work order on behalf of AC)?

Keep in mind the first time section 107 was used, was in 2011.... against the same group of flight attendants!

[altiplano]

Finally a real union. They have the plant but you have the power. Expose these corrupt scumbags. I hope the whole country strikes.

I could see a General Strike being discussed between the big Unions in response to the government suspension of Labour Rights.

I think CUPE overplayed their position, but I support their right to strike and the government absolutely should be keeping their fingers off the scales. Air Canada isn't an essential service, the risk of economic pain is the backbone of ensuring good faith and best efforts in collective bargaining, without it there is only bad faith and stall tactics from organizations like Air Canada.

[confusedalot]

have sympathy for the juniors that only catch up to the equivalent of minimum wage after 4 years. others seem to be doing well or very well.don't know of many groups requesting 100% and getting it. 38% seems to look like a slightly above average ballpark figure in comparison to other offers elsewhere.

the high request is to catch up from a previous bad contract, right?

38% is a number contrived by management, and even they used the weasel word "compensation." The actual wage increase on the table was 8% the first year. Over the last 10 year contract, wage increases lagged published inflation such that you'd need at least that much of a raise just to not take a real wage decrease.

Much of what AC management has been putting out there has ranged from disingenuous to outright lies. And did you hear that the CIRB spokesperson, Maryse Tremblay, who ruled on the return-to-work order, previously worked for years as Air Canada's legal counsel together with Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, AC's chief human resource officer (and the person who requested the return-to-work order on behalf of AC)?

Tremblay is recusing or trying to recuse herself according to the cbc

[TalkingPie]

Tremblay is recusing or trying to recuse herself according to the cbc

"Trying to recuse herself?" What does that mean? She already issued the order. CUPE had requested that she recuse herself a couple of days ago due to the apparent conflict of interest and she refused to do so.

Now after the situation has blown up, did she suddenly remember that she worked for Air Canada for more than 6 years, and represented them as counsel as recently as 2023? She even had it in her public LinkedIn profile.

Anyway, here's what Tom Mulcair thinks about the situation:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/08/17 ... ork-order/

[GIVCE!]

She should resign immediately. Conflict of interest on the grandest scale. ALPA needs to release a statement in support of this. We need change across the board. The old way of business is dead.

[confusedalot]

Tremblay is recusing or trying to recuse herself according to the cbc

"Trying to recuse herself?" What does that mean? She already issued the order. CUPE had requested that she recuse herself a couple of days ago due to the apparent conflict of interest and she refused to do so.

Now after the situation has blown up, did she suddenly remember that she worked for Air Canada for more than 6 years, and represented them as counsel as recently as 2023? She even had it in her public LinkedIn profile.

Anyway, here's what Tom Mulcair thinks about the situation:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/08/17 ... ork-order/

as far as I know, minister hajdu issued the order, saw her on the cbc myself. tremblay is a subordinate that gets marching orders, so if she did not or will not, that means the cbc is lying. tremblay will in fact hear the case after checking, whether that is her desire, or her duty to follow marching orders from the minister, can't find anything on internal government discussions.

hey, all I got is a tv with talking heads on it saying conflicting things. all I am trying to do is make sense of it because we little people are getting bombarded with all kinds of rhetoric.

[Launchpad1]

far as I know, minister hajdu issued the order, saw her on the cbc myself. tremblay is a subordinate that gets marching orders, so if she did not or will not, that means the cbc is lying. tremblay will in fact hear the case after checking, whether that is her desire, or her duty to follow marching orders from the minister, can't find anything on internal government discussions.

hey, all I got is a tv with talking heads on it saying conflicting things. all I am trying to do is make sense of it because we little people are getting bombarded with all kinds of rhetoric.

Hajdu refered it to the 'independent' CIRB, which is a complete government mouth piece, and Tremblay instead of recusing herself did not. It is a huge conflict of interest.

The main thing though is that the government has no right to use 107 in this situation. It's like Trump using Emergency powers acts and inventing emergencies to make tariffs for political decisions.

[dustyroads]

Finally a real union. They have the plant but you have the power. Expose these corrupt scumbags. I hope the whole country strikes.

I could see a General Strike being discussed between the big Unions in response to the government suspension of Labour Rights.

I think CUPE overplayed their position, but I support their right to strike and the government absolutely should be keeping their fingers off the scales. Air Canada isn't an essential service, the risk of economic pain is the backbone of ensuring good faith and best efforts in collective bargaining, without it there is only bad faith and stall tactics from organizations like Air Canada.

There’s no essential services unless one wants to use the service. People trying to get somewhere to have surgery today thinks AC is an essential service but for most Canadians who have no travel plans on AC could care less.
Very sad and selfish for these workers to walk off the job.

[confusedalot]

Tremblay is recusing or trying to recuse herself according to the cbc

"Trying to recuse herself?" What does that mean? She already issued the order. CUPE had requested that she recuse herself a couple of days ago due to the apparent conflict of interest and she refused to do so.

Now after the situation has blown up, did she suddenly remember that she worked for Air Canada for more than 6 years, and represented them as counsel as recently as 2023? She even had it in her public LinkedIn profile.

Anyway, here's what Tom Mulcair thinks about the situation:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/08/17 ... ork-order/

as far as I know, minister hajdu issued the order, saw her on the cbc myself. tremblay is a subordinate that gets marching orders, so if she did not or will not, that means the cbc is lying. tremblay will in fact hear the case after checking, whether that is her desire, or her duty to follow marching orders from the minister, can't find anything on internal government discussions.

hey, all I got is a tv with talking heads on it saying conflicting things. all I am trying to do is make sense of it because we little people are getting bombarded with all kinds of rhetoric.

correction on all of that. it appears that judges (tremblay) have full control over their recusal decisions, so the cbc got it wrong. pretty sure that the minister and the judge were talking though.

[Dry Guy]

"Trying to recuse herself?" What does that mean? She already issued the order. CUPE had requested that she recuse herself a couple of days ago due to the apparent conflict of interest and she refused to do so.

It means they're panicking and trying to save their neck.

"Ce n’est pas une révolte, c’est une révolution."

[planenuts]

So - I'm confused....was there actually a back to work order? There was an order for binding arbitration - but that is a separate thing.

[confusedalot]

far as I know, minister hajdu issued the order, saw her on the cbc myself. tremblay is a subordinate that gets marching orders, so if she did not or will not, that means the cbc is lying. tremblay will in fact hear the case after checking, whether that is her desire, or her duty to follow marching orders from the minister, can't find anything on internal government discussions.

hey, all I got is a tv with talking heads on it saying conflicting things. all I am trying to do is make sense of it because we little people are getting bombarded with all kinds of rhetoric.

Hajdu refered it to the 'independent' CIRB, which is a complete government mouth piece, and Tremblay instead of recusing herself did not. It is a huge conflict of interest.

The main thing though is that the government has no right to use 107 in this situation. It's like Trump using Emergency powers acts and inventing emergencies to make tariffs for political decisions.

don't know enough of government whether a department, mouthpeice, independant or otherwise, can just say forget about it to a minister, but I doubt it.

that section 107 thing is a tool that may or may not be used and appears to be subjective in nature, otherwise, why have that tool in the first place, so whether they have a right to use it or not is irrelevant, it's there. things like that will always invite controversy.

correct about tremblay not recusing herself to my surprise, don't know if the mechanics of the place would allow another person to be parachuted in.

[TalkingPie]

So - I'm confused....was there actually a back to work order? There was an order for binding arbitration - but that is a separate thing.

Yes. The order was for flight attendants to be back on the job at 2:00 PM today and CUPE has publicly refused it. The strike continues (now illegally), no flights flying. Air Canada is currently saying they'll be starting up tomorrow night, but union is saying flight attendants won't go back until a tentative agreement has been negotiated.

[TalkingPie]

Bargaining Committee Update - 39 - Membership Update August 17, 2025

As many members are likely aware, today was a Day of Action at airports across the country from coast to coast.

We have received overwhelming support from the public and from Union workers everywhere. This is an historic moment for labour and for workers across the country.

There was a late-night hearing at the Canada Industrial Relations Board with your Bargaining Committee, private legal counsel and legal representatives from CUPE National.

Air Canada legal counsel representatives also attended. The hearing was being held in relation to the decision of Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu to order us back to work. She has exercised her authority under section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to “order the parties to resume and continue their operations and duties”.

As of 14:00 EDT on August 17th, 2025, the CIRB has ordered Air Canada to resume operations and for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to resume their duties. Further, they have ordered that the Collective Agreement that expired, be extended. You can find the Air Canada press release here:

https://www.aircanada.com/media/air-can ... H20mGpYRsA

CUPE National President Mark Hancock made it loud and clear that our members will NOT be returning to work until such time as the government orders Air Canada back to the bargaining table where we can reach a tentative agreement that our members can vote on. We will not have our rights and protections removed.

For members who are overseas and being advised by the employer to report for work it is our position that we are still on strike, and you are not required to report to work. If you are impacted in a negative way after 14:00 EDT please reach out to us and we will assist you.
For those who are stranded mid-pairing and seeking direction from the union you are now wondering what will happen and when there might be a resolution. We cannot say when that might happen. What we can tell you is that you have the full support of the union and have put processes into place.

If you are contacted by the company, you are not required to answer your phone. If you do, please state: "My Union advised that we are still on strike. They have instructed me not to return to work until advised by them. If you have any questions, please contact my union". It is important to note that it is NOT a criminal offense to remain on strike.

If you are advised by the employer that you will not receive per diems or have run out of the ability to pay for your meal expenses CUPE National has committed to providing funding for this.

If it is absolutely necessary for you to get back to Canada (one of our four crew bases) for personal reasons, the Air Canada Component and CUPE National will pay for the costs of your transportation. This includes any flights to get you back.

For those members who have not yet done so, please sign up for picketing duties to receive compensation from the Union. If you have any questions about that go to https://accstrikehq.ca/ for more information.

We know and understand that for some of our members this is a challenging scenario. Please know that we are here for you. Do NOT hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you have. We will all get through this together and we will leave no member without resources or support.
Keep in mind that there is strength in numbers. There are 10,517 of us and the whole country is standing behind us. We are fighting for what is right. While we stand together, the employer cannot break our solidarity. If they come after any single member they will understand very quickly that the Union has their back.

In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee

[Dias]

Unfortunately the only support for you from our pussy union is to tell us not to wear anything that identifies us as Air Canada at the picket if we choose to go. I think what you are doing is incredible and will help labour all across Canada.

[thepoors]

.

[Inverted2]

Wonder if the Karney regime will threaten to freeze their bank accounts like his Cuban predecessor?

[newlygrounded]

Wonder if the Karney regime will threaten to freeze their bank accounts like his Cuban predecessor?

Not that your post is relevant but if it DID happen the banks themselves are ones who would do so. though nobody ever even gave proof of it happening at all

[Launchpad1]

Unfortunately the only support for you from our pussy union is to tell us not to wear anything that identifies us as Air Canada at the picket if we choose to go. I think what you are doing is incredible and will help labour all across Canada.

I conquer with this 100%

If any FA's are reading this: You are standing up for all of us and protecting everyone's rights. I have so much respect for you all.

[sportingrifle]

AC has started repatriating all their stranded overseas pilots, thereby greatly complicating the eventual re-start. Looks like they may be digging in for the medium to long haul.

[Tolippilot]

I find it incredible how during all this chaos and disruption, the leaders at Air Canada are no where to be seen or herd. I've seen many different news reporting over yesterday and today and not one with any actual representative of air Canada, they realeased a small one sentence statement and thats IT. Wild. All over the news they have politicians and specialists and union reps and affected passengers, but nothing from AC managment they all seem to be hiding. That said with a difficult search I did find ONE AC leader who got infront of a camera and spoke to a reporter, the COO Mark Nasr. You should all go watch this interview, its really bad. Goes to show why the public is all supporting the flight attendants. Speaks volumes. Its on CP24

[truedude]

I find it incredible how during all this chaos and disruption, the leaders at Air Canada are no where to be seen or herd. I've seen many different news reporting over yesterday and today and not one with any actual representative of air Canada, they realeased a small one sentence statement and thats IT. Wild. All over the news they have politicians and specialists and union reps and affected passengers, but nothing from AC managment they all seem to be hiding. That said with a difficult search I did find ONE AC leader who got infront of a camera and spoke to a reporter, the COO Mark Nasr. You should all go watch this interview, its really bad. Goes to show why the public is all supporting the flight attendants. Speaks volumes. Its on CP24

I don't think they were prepared for this, and have no idea how to respond. And given the support by the other unions being thrown behind CUPE, this won't be over anytime soon.

Hopefully, the fact that managment grossly underestimated the FAs resolve will have the boards attention, with perhaps some changes to come...