Air Canada plans ‘gradual’ flights restart after deal struck with cabin crew union

Air Canada will “gradually restart” operations today (Tuesday) after reaching an agreement with the union representing 10,000 striking cabin crew.

 

Mediation discussions were begun on the basis that the union commit to have the airline’s flight attendants immediately return to work, allowing the resumption of operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since August 16 affecting 500,000 passengers.

 

The first flights are scheduled for this evening (local time). 

 

But the airline’s return to full, regular service may require seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position, Air Canada advised. 

 

During this process, some flights will be cancelled until the schedule is stabilised, the airline added.

 

The airline said it will not comment on the agreement made with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) until the ratification process is complete. 

 

“During any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book and travel with Air Canada with certainty,” a statement said.

 

Air Canada chief executive Michael Rousseau said:.“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologise for the impact on them of this labour disruption. 

 

“Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible.” 

 

However, he added: “Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. 

 

“I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon.”