Air Canada workers deserve fairness and respect for the work they do

United Nurses of Alberta stands in solidarity with Air Canada workers represented by CUPE who are fighting for fairness and respect from Canada’s largest airline company. These workers are asking Air Canada to accept the most basic concept in any workplace — that workers should be paid for the work they do. 

UNA is deeply concerned that Air Canada is refusing to pay flight attendants for all the hours they work. Right now, Air Canada does not pay its flight attendants for the essential safety and service duties they do before the plane’s doors close. These workers only get paid when the plane is moving.

This is unfair and unsafe. No one should be forced to work for free.

Canadians know that our airlines are critical to our vast and large country and that’s why the people who keep those planes flying and passengers moving deserve respect, dignity, and basic fairness from their employer.

It’s time for Air Canada to negotiate fairly, end unpaid work, and reach an agreement that reflects the contributions flight attendants make every day. Canadians expect better from an airline that uses our national symbols and receives public support to promote its brand.