“Air Canada Flight Attendants Reject Wage Proposal, Mediation Underway”

Air Canada flight attendants have decisively rejected the airline’s recent wage proposal, according to their union. Despite the vote outcome, flight operations are not expected to be affected. The tentative agreement, which resolved a previous strike, involves a 12% salary increase for junior attendants and an 8% raise for senior members this year, with incremental raises in the following years. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reported that 99.1% of members turned down the offer, citing concerns that attendants would still earn below the federal minimum wage. The wage matter is now under mediation and may proceed to arbitration if necessary, as stated by CUPE. Air Canada has acknowledged the mediation process in a separate statement. The recent three-day strike by flight attendants concluded on August 19 with the assistance of a federal mediator, averting disruptions for customers. CUPE has criticized the federal government for its involvement in the negotiations, alleging interference that favored Air Canada and impacted the bargaining process. The Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hadju, confirmed a commitment to final and binding arbitration in the event of a failed ratification to finalize a new collective agreement.