Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour on Air Canada and its treatment of its flight attendants

Air Canada is on the brink of a possible strike involving more than 10,000 flight attendants. These hard-working Canadians voted 99.7% in favour of striking if management does not address their core concerns: fair wages and pay for all the work they do, and not just when the plane is in motion. Let’s be clear: Air Canada is one of the most profitable companies in our country. Their second-quarter results this year show operating revenues of $5.6 billion, up from last year, and profits of nearly $200 million for just three months. Air Canada’s profits have run into the billions over the past few years, with strong performances even through economic turbulence. But while the company posts record profits and issues rosy updates for investors, flight attendants are still waiting to be treated with fairness and respect.

Many flight attendants do not get paid for the time spent performing critical tasks for passenger safety and comfort. That means when they are doing pre-flight safety checks, helping passengers board, assisting with special needs, or handling emergencies while the plane is at the gate, they are not getting paid. On average, flight attendants in Canada work 35 hours a month without pay because the clock only starts when the aircraft doors close and stops when they open. This is unacceptable. Wages have also failed to keep up with inflation. Entry-level pay for flight attendants has only increased by about $3 per hour over the past 25 years, a mere 10 per cent, while the cost of living has soared for workers. It is shameful for a profitable company like Air Canada to refuse to compensate the workers who keep passengers safe and ensure the airline’s operations run smoothly.

As citizens, we should be outraged, and we must call out this injustice. Air Canada has the means to pay their flight attendants fairly without laying the burden on travellers. It’s time for Air Canada to recognize the actual value of its employees and ensure that all hours worked are paid, with wages keeping pace with inflation at a minimum. Unpaid work won’t fly any longer. Let’s hope the employer avoids a strike with decent offers for its workers when they are back at the table