Air Canada passengers can continue making plans

Posted 22/09/2011

The threatened strike at Air Canada  --  that country's largest carrier  --  appears to be over with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) saying it is recommending Air Canada's 6,800 flight attendants accept a new deal.

"It's business as usual and customers can continue to make their travel plans on Air Canada with confidence," Susan Welscheid, Air Canada's senior vice president of customer service, said in a statement.

The deal’s details won't be made public until after a union vote is held.

The flight attendants a month ago rejected a tentative deal CUPE negotiated with the airline, forcing the two sides back to the drawing board.

The key areas of dispute were wages, pensions, crew rest, working conditions and work rules, according to the AP.

CUPE says the vote will come within a week or so.

A walkout in June by the airline's customer service agents lasted just three days before a deal was made.

Sal Occhiuzzi, 54, a flight attendant for 31 years, said workers just wanted a fair deal that will allow them to recover some of the money lost in the last decade.

"We helped the company out when things were tough and we all gave a lot and it's time for the company to give a bit back," he told the AP.

By David Wilkening

 

Originally published 22 Sep 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/18b8bb25/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11494650Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm