TORONTO – The union representing Air Canada flight attendants is pledging its full support for CAW members, currently on strike across the country.
“All the Air Canada unions are in constant contact, and we will continue to show our support for CAW’s efforts, including their strike action, in order to obtain a fair deal”, says Jeff Taylor, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component.
“CUPE members at Air Canada are still in negotiations with the airline, and we are not in a legal strike position,” says Taylor. “We will continue to fulfill our obligations and show up for work, but we will be finding other ways to show support to CAW members.”
For instance, Taylor suggests some flight attendants might be invited on their days off to join and support CAW on the picket lines.
“Air Canada flight attendants recently asked for conciliation to facilitate the bargaining process with the airline, and are hopeful a fair contract can be reached,” says Taylor. “We are not in a legal position to refuse to work.”
The union wants to reiterate that it is the employer’s obligation to provide a safe passageway to and from the workplace. The union says it encourages workers, if they encounter a picket line, to respect the picket line protocol established between the CAW and authorities.
“Our union has also taken the position that we should not be required to do any work outside our own bargaining unit work. We are here to perform our work, and will not under any circumstances perform the work of our CAW brothers and sisters”, concludes Taylor.
For more information:
Pierre Ducasse
CUPE Communications
613-852-1494
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