Air Canada to cancel 500 flights by Friday amid impending cabin crew strike.

Air Canada has announced a significant disruption to its operations due to ongoing negotiations with the union representing its flight attendants. The airline has indicated that it is at an impasse, leading to the suspension of all flights scheduled for Saturday morning. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions as Air Canada prepares for a potential strike by its unionized staff.

On Thursday, the airline revealed that it anticipates canceling several dozen flights by the day’s end and approximately 500 flights by the conclusion of Friday. This disruption could affect around 100,000 passengers during what is typically a busy time for travel. The complexities of Air Canada’s extensive network, which features over 250 aircraft operating flights to more than 65 countries, necessitate an early winding down of service.

Any strike action would particularly impact Canada’s tourism sector at the peak of summer travel, raising concerns for the government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The airline has requested intervention from the federal government, seeking the imposition of arbitration to resolve the dispute.

Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, serve approximately 130,000 customers daily, and Air Canada is a leading foreign carrier to the United States. In response to the situation, United Airlines, a code-share partner with Air Canada, has issued a travel waiver to assist travelers in managing their itineraries.

The crux of the negotiations revolves around the compensation structure for flight attendants. Traditionally, airlines have compensated attendants solely for the duration of the flight. However, the union has pushed for broader compensation to include time spent boarding passengers and waiting at the airport, a move that acknowledges the full range of work involved in ensuring passenger safety and comfort.

While Air Canada has indicated readiness to improve compensation for flight attendants, offering a 38 percent increase over four years with a 25 percent raise in the first year, the union has criticized the proposal as insufficient. They have pointed out that the company’s current offer to compensate for some unpaid work at only half of the hourly rate does not meet their demands.

As the situation evolves, Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both the airline and the union to return to the negotiation table to find a resolution that benefits both parties and the traveling public. She has expressed understanding of the frustration many Canadians are feeling regarding their travel plans during this tumultuous period.

Industry experts warn that a prolonged dispute could tarnish Air Canada’s reputation, especially given its vital role in facilitating international connections and supporting the travel and tourism industry. Restarting operations after a strike is expected to take about a week, underscoring the challenge of navigating complex logistics in the airline industry.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the flight attendants, remains steadfast in its position, calling for meaningful negotiations. The ongoing discussions between Air Canada and CUPE will be closely monitored as travelers await resolution and clarity for their journeys.

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