The union described the government order as “unconstitutional,” calling on the company to return to negotiations for a fair agreement, according to Western media. The Industrial Relations Board, at the government’s request, issued a binding arbitration order to break the deadlock in negotiations over new contracts, a measure supported by the company but met with strong opposition from the union.
Canadian labor law grants the government the authority to impose binding arbitration to protect the economy, prompting Labor Minister Patty Hajdu to direct the board to issue the order. Air Canada announced that it began resuming its flights today, Sunday, with expectations of some cancellations over the next seven to ten days until the operations schedule stabilizes.
This is the first strike by Air Canada’s cabin crew since 1985, following months of failed negotiations on contract renewals. The Industrial Relations Board ordered the extension of the expired collective agreement terms from March 31 until a new agreement is reached. Immediate comments from Air Canada or a government spokesperson were not available.
