-

CUPE: Air Canada Flight Attendant Union Responds to Sweeping Layoffs Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The union representing Air Canada flight attendants is deeply saddened to learn that the company will temporarily lay off approximately 3,600 of its members at Air Canada mainline, and all 1,549 of its members at Air Canada Rouge.

Earlier this week, the company announced it would significantly reduce flying capacity due to diminished demand and government-ordered border closures caused by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The layoffs announced today are effective until April 30, 2020 at the earliest, but the union is hopeful that conditions in the industry improve and allow the airline to begin bringing flight attendants back on-board.

“This has been the most challenging time any of us will likely ever experience as flight attendants,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. “Our members have been on the front lines of this crisis since day one, and it has been a tough journey ever since. Our hearts go out to all of our members, especially those who fell sick while doing their job.”

The union has confirmed that members being laid off – or facing “off-duty status” – will be able to collect Employment Insurance, and also access benefits. The union also pledged to assist laid-off members with their next steps, and to work diligently to bring them back once conditions in the industry stabilize.

:ml/cope491

Contacts

Hugh Pouliot
Media relations, CUPE
613-818-0067
hpouliot@cupe.ca

Industry:

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Release Versions
English

Contacts

Hugh Pouliot
Media relations, CUPE
613-818-0067
hpouliot@cupe.ca

More News From Canadian Union of Public Employees

School Library Funding Uncertainty Leaving Students and Schools in Limbo

HALIFAX, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Concerns are growing over continued uncertainty surrounding whether city council will maintain funding for school librarians in the upcoming school year. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5047 President Shelley McNeil is calling on councillors to publicly clarify their position before staffing and school planning decisions are affected. “School librarians are not extras,” said McNeil. “They are part of the learning infrastructure students rely on ever...

No Deal Reached at CUPE Long Term Care Table

HALIFAX-KJIPUKTUK, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Long term care workers represented by CUPE and government representatives bargained early into morning today; however, no deal was reached. “It’s disappointing. We went to the table, presenting two counter offers with different wages that would bring our lowest paid workers closer to a living wage, but were met with little movement,” said CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator Kim Cail. “The new offer, which expires in 2028, was better than the last, bu...

CUPE, Government to get back to the table

HALIFAX, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Long term care workers represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and government representatives have agreed to return to the bargaining table this afternoon, following 4 weeks of strike. “We’re happy to hear that the government is willing to get back to the table,” said Long Term and Community Care Committee Chair Christa Sweeney. “We look forward to negotiating in good faith and reaching a deal that everyone can be happy with.” CUPE and the governme...
Back to Newsroom