CUPE Calls Deal With Air Canada For Flight Attendants “Transformational”

Some details have emerged after Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 flight attendants reached a tentative agreement yesterday.

Air Canada began resuming flights last night but has said it will take about a week to 10 days to clear out the backlog due to cancelled flights.

In a statement on its website, the Canadian Union of Public Employees said the tentative deal achieves “transformational change” for the industry after a historic fight to affirm their Charter rights, with flight attendants now getting paid as soon as they start work, instead of when the plane takes off.

The union says they have reclaimed their voice and power.

Flight attendants still need to ratify the tentative deal before the contract dispute is officially over.