Washington, D.C. — Following Air Canada’s announcement that it plans to lock out Flight Attendants rather than negotiate a fair contract, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International President Sara Nelson released the following statement:
“U.S. Flight Attendants stand in solidarity with our Canadian flying partners, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. We demand that Air Canada management drop offensive lockout threats and instead negotiate a fair contract with the people who are the face of the airline. The whole world is watching and the disrespect Air Canada management is showing workers, passengers, and our communities is not just a bad look today – it will have a lasting impact on the view of the airline around the world for years to come. Bad business 101.
“Air Canada pays a poverty wage for the work of aviation’s first responders and that has to change. It’s time for a fair deal, including the new industry standard of boarding pay and other time currently unpaid at work.
“If you are an Air Canada passenger with a delayed or canceled flight because management is focused on shutting down the operation rather than seeking solutions, remember where the blame lies: corporate greed. We invite passengers to join Flight Attendants in demanding Air Canada make good on the tickets they’ve sold passengers and the collective bargaining they have a duty to complete with Flight Attendants.
“This is about our careers as aviation’s first responders around the world. Air Canada management, hear this loud and clear: take on one of us, take on all of us.”
