The federal government has launched consultations into allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector, as the strike by Air Canada flight attendants continues to disrupt travel across the country.
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu said Monday the government is concerned by reports that flight attendants are not being fairly compensated.
“Flight attendants should be paid for the work that they do,” Hajdu said in a statement. “The allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector are deeply concerning — we will be digging into this and will find out what is at the root of these allegations, because nobody should work for free.”
The consultations will examine whether flight attendants are being paid in compliance with the Canada Labour Code, with a report to be released once the process concludes.
The announcement came as tensions remain high between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees. CUPE’s national leaders said at a Toronto press conference Monday that members will not obey the government’s back-to-work order issued over the weekend.
“They won’t back down until a fair deal has been reached for their members,” CUPE president Mark Hancock and secretary-treasurer Candace Rennick said, adding that labour allies across the country are standing with the flight attendants.
Air Canada, for its part, said it has suspended plans to gradually restart operations after CUPE “illegally directed its flight attendant members not to return to work.” The airline urged customers not to go to the airport unless they had confirmed bookings with other carriers.
The company is offering flexible rebooking or refunds for passengers with tickets purchased on or before Aug. 17 for travel this week. Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL airlines continue to run as scheduled.
