June 30, 1999
OTTAWAT006800650020Federal Minister of Labour has released both Air Canada and CUPE from the conciliation process. “This no board report effectively puts the Union and the Company in a countdown position,” stated Pamela Sachs, president of the Air Canada component.
“It is my sincere hope that Air Canada will return to the bargaining table with a mandate to negotiate seriously,” added Sachs. “Flight attendants are fighting for a contract with no rollbacks, improvements to retirement income, and safer and healthier working conditions. All of these issues are within the realm of a negotiated settlement,” said Sachs.
“Should bargaining not reach a fruitful conclusion, the Union will be in a legal strike position any time on or after of July 7, 1999. The withdrawal of labour is a strategic question that comes into play if negotiations are not productive. For now the Union is focused on getting back to the table and trying to hammer out an agreement,” concluded Sachs.
Air Canada has 5000 flight attendants, of whom 80% are women.
For more information contact: Catherine Louli, CUPE communications (613) 237-1590 ext 268, or by cellular (613) 851-0547