An arbitrator has set final wage rates for Air Canada flight attendants, resolving a labor dispute that disrupted travel for many last summer. The rates agreed upon in a tentative deal for mainline flight attendants were upheld, while an increase in the first year was granted for those at Rouge.
Despite the outcome not meeting the union’s desired goals, negotiations resulted in a resolution after over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike in August, prompting government intervention under the Canada Labour Code’s Section 107.
Following the strike, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered flight attendants back to work, which led to defiance from union officials. Subsequently, negotiations resumed, culminating in a tentative agreement covering various aspects such as pensions, health benefits, and vacation rules.
Although the majority of the terms were already agreed upon, the wage offer was rejected by over 99% of Air Canada flight attendants in September. This rejection led to mediation and eventual arbitration, resulting in a new contract that includes salary increases and provisions addressing unpaid work during ground time.
The contract entails a 12% salary hike this year for junior flight attendants and an 8% increase for senior members in the first year. Additionally, Rouge flight attendants will receive a 13% raise in the initial year. The agreement extends until March 2029 and includes incremental increases in the following years for both Air Canada and Rouge flight attendants.
Moreover, the agreement tackles the issue of compensation for ground time, ensuring flight attendants receive a percentage of their hourly wage rate during non-flight periods. The federal government’s probe did not find evidence of minimum wage violations in the airline sector but highlighted the need to scrutinize compensation practices for specific groups of flight attendants.