At 00:58 EDT today, we served notice to strike. Just 32 minutes later, at 01:30 EDT, Air Canada locked us out. Read our full bulletin HERE.
This decision was not made lightly. Last night, Air Canada simply walked away from the table, refusing to address critical issues like unpaid work and wages, despite the Union providing reasonable offers. We’ve been here since day one, sleeves rolled up, ready to negotiate. The Company has chosen confrontation over resolution.
We cannot control Air Canada’s actions, but we can control our own. The time to act is NOW!
We believe this Liberal government understands the sacred protections in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Our right to association and our right to strike. And we believe they must respect them. Across the country, we’ve seen an unprecedented wave of support from unionized workers in every sector, proof that when workers are under attack, we stand together.
Now we are calling on all 10,517 members to contact your Member of Parliament. Tell them:
Respect our Charter rights. Respect our right to strike. Support our fight.
Air Canada teaches Canadian values and wraps themselves in the Canadian flag, but the true foundation of Canadian values lies in our Charter that enshrines the ability of workers to level the playing field against corporate power. We will not accept interference. If government crosses that line, we will respond loud and clear—and we ask you to do the same.
Not sure who your MP is? Find them here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en
Sample Letter to Send to Your MP:
Dear (MP’s name),
Re: Air Canada Component of CUPE and Air Canada – Labour Negotiations
I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support collective bargaining, and in particular, the Union’s right to strike. A fair contract can only be reached when both sides have the space to bargain sincerely, openly, and without external pressure. Government intervention undermines this principle and tips the scales against working people.
Please:
• Advocate for non-interference in ongoing negotiations.
• Protect the right of workers and employers to bargain in good faith.
• Promote a fair, transparent, and collaborative bargaining process.
Our community’s strength comes from fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity at work. I expect my elected representatives to uphold these principles and protect the autonomy of workers to reach fair agreements without government interference.
Thank you, and I look forward to your response.
Please visit accstrikehq.ca for all strike related information and updates.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee