Air Canada flight attendants reject wage deal, dispute moves to mediation

Air Canada flight attendants have voted 99.1% against ratifying a tentative wage agreement, forcing the dispute into mediation and, if unresolved, arbitration.

• Background: The rejected deal, reached on Aug. 19 after a four-day strike disrupted travel for 500,000 passengers, had offered wage hikes of up to 20% for new attendants and 16% for senior staff, plus partial pre-flight pay.
• Union stance: Flight attendants argued the raises fell short amid soaring living costs in cities like Toronto, with many juggling multiple jobs. The agreement also failed to fully address unpaid labour, a central issue in North American flight attendant disputes.
• Company response: Air Canada said the package included pay for ground duties, as well as improvements in wages, pensions, and benefits. Flights will continue to operate, as both sides agreed to no further strikes or lockouts.
• Wider impact: The strike has drawn international attention, with U.S. flight attendant unions citing it as momentum for their own pay campaigns.

The mediation process will determine whether a settlement is reached or if arbitration is required.