Air Canada’s announced layoff of 900 flight attendants is an unconscionable and transparent attempt to bully its way to bargaining concessions, says Pamela Sachs, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component.
“Enough is enough,” says Sachs. “Our members are tired of being treated like chattel. They’re angry at Air Canada’s constant attempt to demean and belittle their profession. And they’re fed up with this company’s seeming unwillingness to sit down at the bargaining table and negotiate a contract.”
Sachs says Air Canada is playing a shell game – announcing layoffs at the mainline while hiring flight attendants to work for ZIP.
“Make no mistake about it, ZIP will be flying Air Canada routes, using Air Canada planes and pilots, carrying Air Canada passengers and taking away Air Canada jobs,” she says.
CUPE has filed a common employer application for ZIP with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The application will be heard beginning September 16.
“This is a fight and we will not back down from this fight,” Sachs says.
Sachs says layoffs could mean less staff for each flight. “That is going to put even more pressure on our members and service to our passengers could suffer,” she says.