Air Canada and the union representing over 9,500 flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, averting a strike that threatened to disrupt flights nationwide and strand thousands of passengers.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the airline’s flight attendants, confirmed the agreement on Saturday after marathon negotiations in Toronto. While details of the deal have not yet been released, union leaders described it as a “fair settlement” that addresses wages, scheduling, and working conditions.
The agreement will now be presented to union members for ratification. A strike had been scheduled to begin Monday if no deal was reached, raising concerns about major disruptions during Canada’s peak summer travel season.
Air Canada said in a statement it was “pleased to have reached a balanced agreement” and assured customers that operations would continue as planned.
The federal government had been closely monitoring the talks, with Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan urging both sides to find common ground to prevent economic fallout.
The strike threat had already unsettled travelers, with many scrambling to change itineraries in anticipation of cancellations. Analysts warned that a prolonged strike could have cost the Canadian economy millions of dollars in lost tourism revenue.
While the agreement offers short-term relief, CUPE officials noted that the airline industry must address broader concerns about worker fatigue, job security, and post-pandemic recovery challenges.
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