Air Canada flight attendants recently held a strike, highlighting the issue of unpaid work in the aviation industry. Their rallying cry, “Unpaid work won’t fly,” drew attention to the common practice of not compensating cabin crew for tasks performed on the ground prior to takeoff, a practice that differs from some European airlines that pay monthly salaries.
A union poll suggested that many Canadian flyers supported the striking workers. The strike, which occurred during the busy summer travel season, ended after both Air Canada and the Canadian Union for Public Employees (CUPE) reached a tentative agreement. While the details of the agreement have not been fully disclosed, it reportedly includes a salary increase and a provision for partial pay during boarding and cabin checks—marking a significant change in compensation structure.
Experts believe that the shifts made by Air Canada could set a new standard for other North American airlines. However, despite the agreement’s potential significance, some flight attendants remain dissatisfied. It is uncertain whether the proposed deal will receive enough support to pass a vote among the union members.
This issue of unpaid ground work is not limited to Air Canada; other Canadian airlines, including Air Transat and WestJet, share similar compensation structures, as do U.S.-based airlines like United, where negotiations for change are currently underway. John Gradek, an aviation management expert, noted that instituting compensation for ground work could catalyze widespread changes across the industry.
The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to evolving attitudes about ground pay, as increased boarding complexities have led to more unpaid labor hours. Recent developments have already seen Delta Airlines become the first in North America to compensate for such work in 2022, prompting others to follow suit.
As Air Canada and other airlines navigate upcoming contract negotiations, the implications of this strike and the evolving landscape of cabin crew compensation may have lasting effects on labor rights within the industry.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3ze0yxy0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss