More than 10000 flight attendants of Air Canada have begun a sudden strike. So, it has thrown global travel plans into complications. Therefore, it has left hundreds of UAE residents helpless in Canada as the disruption spread into its third day,
Hundreds of flights have been canceled because of the strike that started on Saturday. Normally, Air Canada serves around 130000 people daily. Therefore, this strike is one of the most significant travel disruptions in recent years.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has declared the strike illegal. In addition, the authority has even ordered workers to return to the job. However, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has so far refused to comply because they are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
Massive Global Disruption
As we mentioned above, Air Canada carries around 130,000 passengers daily and operates around 700 daily flights. Moreover, the strike has caused problems with summer travel in the peak summer season, which leads to a ripple effect worldwide.
The disruption has converted vacations and business trips into logistical nightmares for the UAE travelers. In addition, families and business executives have been forced to either pay for costly flights or wait indefinitely as the standoff continues.
Legal Showdown Between Government and Union
The Labour Board of Canada issued a back-to-work order on Sunday to instruct union members to resume their duties immediately. Furthermore, the CIRB prolongs the current collective agreement while awaiting new terms from arbitration.
However, CUPE President Mark Hancock publicly tore up the order outside Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. In addition, he said, “Our members are not going back to work. We are saying no.”
The union argues that the latest compensation package of Air Canada, which offers a 38% increase over four years, has failed to address inflation and unpaid work hours. On the other hand, the airline mentions that its proposal would make flight attendants the best compensated in the nation.
Passengers Left in Limbo due to Air Canada strike
As the operation is suspended, hundreds of flights are grounded at the airports in Canada. In addition, it would take some days to normalize even if flights resume this week. However, Air Canada has assured affected passengers that they are eligible for full refunds through the official website or mobile app. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has called the strike “Almost unprecedented”. In addition, he highlighted the economic risks of prolonged disruption.
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[…] Air Canada Strike Grounds Flights: UAE Passengers Stranded Amid Ongoing Disruption […]