CUPE says its members are not backing down.
The union that represents around 10,000 flight attendants plans to continue its strike and challenge an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu sent the dispute into binding arbitration on Saturday and ordered operations to resume.
On Saturday, CUPE National President Mark Hancock spoke to the members
“I’m expected to say stand down. I’m expected to direct you to go back to work. I’m expected to end this strike. That ain’t happening my friends, not on my watch, not now, not tomorrow, not ever!”
Hancock also proceeded to tear up the CIRB order during the video posted to social media.
He also stated the strike would end when they get a collective agreement that works for their members.
“We will be challenging this blatantly unconstitutional order that violates the Charter rights of 10,517 flight attendants, 70 per cent of whom are women, and 100 per cent of whom are forced to do hours of unpaid work by their employer every time they come to work,” said CUPE in a release sent to the Acadia Broadcasting newsroom.
“We invite Air Canada back to the table to negotiate a fair deal, rather than relying on the federal government to do their dirty work for them when bargaining gets a little bit tough. We remain on strike. We demand a fair, negotiated contract and to be compensated for all hours worked.”
The CIRB order originally stated that flight attendants were to return to work by 2 pm ET on Sunday, but after CUPE announced it would defy the order, Air Canada said it would now resume flights on Monday evening.
Around 240 flights that were to resume Sunday afternoon have now been cancelled
This impacts Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights. Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate.
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