Air Canada flight attendant union rejects ending 'illegal' strike

Air Canada flight attendants have been picketing at Canadian airports since the strike started on Saturday.

The union representing Air Canada flight attendants has stated that it will continue to defy a back-to-work order despite the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruling the strike as "unlawful".

The Canada Industrial Relations Board deemed the strike by the cabin crews, which has been ongoing for three days, illegal on Monday after the union ignored a government back-to-work order issued over the weekend.

Canadian Union of Public Employees president Mark Hancock stated, "If Air Canada thinks planes will be flying this afternoon, they're sorely mistaken."

The strike by over 10,000 flight attendants for Canada's largest airline has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded since flights were grounded on Saturday.

Air Canada has not yet responded to the union's latest decision.

The airline had planned to resume flights by Monday evening, but a notice on its website as of Monday afternoon stated that its operations "remain suspended".

All flights by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have been canceled until 16:00 EDT (21:00 BDT) on Tuesday.

The trade organization representing Air Canada and other major Canadian firms, such as WestJet and FedEx Canada, criticized the union for defying the order, stating that it sets a dangerous precedent.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board decision instructed the union to send its members back to work by 12:00 EST (16:00 GMT) on Monday and directed the members to resume their duties.

It is uncertain what consequences the CUPE faces for its defiance.

At a news conference, Mr. Hancock mentioned that the union is prepared to accept any penalties for its refusal to comply, including fines and jail time.

Under Canadian law, the union and individual workers could face fines or sanctions for not returning to work, according to Western University law professor Michael Lynk.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment that Air Canada and its cabin crew could not reach an agreement after eight months of negotiations.

The airline estimates that around 500,000 passengers have been affected by flight cancellations.

Stranded passenger Jenny Phelps shared her challenges in rebooking her canceled flights and the financial stress caused by the situation.

Union representatives apologized for the impact on travelers and emphasized that their fight is not against them but to address long-standing issues faced by workers, mainly women.

Flight attendants are demanding higher salaries and payment for work during ground time.

In contract negotiations, Air Canada offered flight attendants a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year.

CUPE argued that the offer was inadequate and would still leave flight attendants unpaid for certain work hours.

The union and the airline have exchanged criticisms regarding their willingness to reach an agreement.

Earlier this month, the union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu had ordered binding arbitration to resolve the dispute.

CUPE directed its members to disregard a back-to-work order on Sunday and accused the government of giving in to corporate pressure.