OTTAWA – Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu has ordered striking and locked out Air Canada flight attendants to binding arbitration.
The move comes about 12 hours after Canadian Union of Public Employee’s Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants walked off the job, followed by a lockout order issued by the airline.
The job disruption had the potential to impact up to 130,000 passengers a day.
Hajdu, who is the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, said it’s clear both sides needed a push to get the ongoing labour dispute solved.
“After eight months of negotiations by the parties, and after meeting with both parties last night and urging them to work hard to reach a deal, it is disappointing to have to conclude today that Air Canada and CUPE flight attendants are at an impasse and remain unable to resolve their dispute,” Hajdu said in a statement released on Saturday afternoon by the federal government.
“The government firmly believes that the best deals are reached by the parties at the bargaining table. It has now become clear that this dispute won’t be resolved at the table. Canadians are increasingly finding themselves in very difficult situations and the strike is rapidly impacting the Canadian economy”
An estimated 10,000 flight attendants walked out when the strike began.
Hajdu said flight attendants play a critical role to keep Canadians safe while they travel, adding it’s important for them to be fairly compensated.
The minister went on to say the strike had an immediate effect on the country and its people.
“The enormous impact of a nationwide labour disruption of this scale is already being felt by Canadians and visitors to our country. This impact will grow significantly with a prolonged dispute,” Hajdu said.
"This nationwide labour disruption is impeding the movement of passengers and critical cargo. In a year in which Canadian families and businesses have already experienced too much disruption and uncertainty, this is not the time to add additional challenges and disruptions to their lives and our economy.”
Hajdu exercised her authority under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to arbitrate the dispute.
Hajdu it’s something that had to be done.
“I am exercising this authority because it is critical to maintaining and securing industrial peace, protecting Canadians and promoting conditions to resolve the dispute. Despite the parties’ resolution of several key differences, the CIRB is best positioned to help them find a solution on the outstanding items.”
Air Canada in recent days had asked for arbitration, something union officials said caused the airline to negotiate in bad faith, accusing negotiators of expecting the government to intervene.
Flights, including three scheduled to arrive and depart from Thunder Bay on Saturday, were immediately cancelled when the strike/lockout began.
It’s believed it will take a few days for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge to resume full service.
