Union “respectfully declines” Air Canada proposal for arbitration

In a post on its website, CUPE – the union representing Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights attendants – has acknowledged that it has received a proposal from Air Canada to resolve the current contract negotiations through arbitration and that it has declined to accept the airline’s proposal.

Wesley Lesosky President, Air Canada Component of CUPE, said in a written response to Air Canada that: “While we appreciate your acknowledgment of the efforts made at the bargaining table over the past nine months, the Air Canada Component of CUPE firmly believes that the most effective way to achieve a fair and equitable Collective Agreement is through continued direct negotiations between the parties, supported as necessary by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.”

Lesosky wrote: “Our membership has been clear in providing us with a strong strike mandate, reflecting their determination to secure a contract that addresses the key issues, including wages, unpaid work, per diems, pensions, work rules, and rest provisions, many of which are still outstanding.”

And he continued: “We remain committed to using all available tools within the bargaining process to reach a negotiated settlement that meets the needs of our members. We therefore respectfully decline the proposal to proceed to binding interest arbitration at this time. Instead, we urge Air Canada to continue bargaining at the table with a view to making meaningful progress toward an agreement that reflects the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our flight attendants.”

Lesosky concluded by stating that: “We remain available to meet at the earliest opportunity to continue discussions and work toward achieving a negotiated resolution.”