Press release
The QFL condemns the forced return to work of Air Canada flight attendants 

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) strongly condemns the decision by the federal government and the Minister of Employment to order Air Canada flight attendants back to work just hours after their strike began. The imposition of binding arbitration is a direct attack on the fundamental right to bargain and to strike, rights that are recognized by the Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

“It is deplorable to see the Liberal government playing into the hands of management, which throughout these negotiations has refused to make acceptable offers to its cabin crew. Flight attendants are exercising a legitimate right recognized by law. Forcing them back to work tramples not only their freedom of association but also the democratic rights of all workers. Worse still, the federal government is invoking Section 107 to end the strike, even though it unanimously passed an anti-scab law that came into effect last June. Frankly, this is making a mockery of workers,” said QFL President Magali Picard. 

“Federal intervention through Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code is becoming a recurring scenario and a standard tactic in employers’ bargaining strategies. Negotiations are allowed to drag on, and then employers run to the government, asking them to intervene under false pretenses. I predict that this is exactly what will happen in Quebec as well, following the adoption of Bill 89 by the CAQ government under François Legault, which restricts the right to strike,” added Picard. 

Flight attendants are already struggling with difficult working conditions that Air Canada’s multimillionaire executives clearly choose to ignore: unstable schedules, wages insufficient to keep up with the rising cost of living, a blatant lack of recognition for their essential role in passenger safety, and unpaid hours. This is the daily reality for cabin crew. 

“Workers’ rights must be respected. The QFL will always stand with flight attendants in their fight for fair working conditions and for recognition of their vital role,” Picard concluded. 

Photo credit : Canadian Union of Public Employees