Air Canada Flight Attendant Collective Agreement CUPE: What You Need to Know
Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada, with over 200 destinations worldwide. As with any large company, Air Canada has its share of employee relations issues. One of the most significant is the collective agreement with its flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). This collective agreement is crucial for both Air Canada and its flight attendants, as it outlines the terms and conditions of employment and governs the relationship between the airline and its flight attendants.
CUPE represents approximately 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada, and the collective agreement between the union and the airline is one of the most important contracts in the industry. The agreement outlines working conditions, pay rates, benefits, and other important aspects of the job. This agreement is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the industry, the airline, and the needs of its employees.
One of the most significant issues in recent negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada was the implementation of “Onboard Service Managers” or OSMs. These OSMs are a new position created by Air Canada to manage in-flight service and operations. According to CUPE, these OSMs would have had the authority to take over duties typically performed by flight attendants, and as a result, CUPE saw them as a threat to traditional flight attendant jobs. After extensive negotiations, the union and the airline reached a tentative agreement in 2019, which included provisions around the role of OSMs.
Another contentious issue in past negotiations has been job security for flight attendants. In particular, CUPE has been vocal about the airline’s use of temporary staffing agencies to fill positions and the resulting impact on full-time flight attendant positions. The 2019 agreement included provisions to address this issue, such as requiring the airline to give preference to existing staff for new positions and limiting the use of temporary staffing agencies.
The collective agreement also outlines pay rates and benefits for flight attendants. According to CUPE, the average wage for an Air Canada flight attendant is around $40,000 per year, although this can vary depending on experience and other factors. In addition to wages, flight attendants receive benefits such as health and dental insurance and pension contributions.
In conclusion, the collective agreement between Air Canada and CUPE is a critical document that shapes the relationship between the airline and its flight attendants. Negotiations between the two parties can be contentious at times, but ultimately, the goal is to create a fair and equitable workplace for all employees. As Air Canada continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how its collective agreement with CUPE adapts to meet the changing needs and expectations of its flight attendants.