The Canadian Association of Teachers condemns the federal government’s decision to mandate striking CUPE Air Canada flight attendants back to work and impose binding arbitration.
“I am profoundly disappointed and angered by the government’s actions,” said CAUT President Robin Whitaker. “By stepping in to end a legal strike just hours after it began, the government is stripping away fundamental rights of working people. The right to strike is constitutionally protected because of its crucial role in a meaningful process of collective bargaining.”
Whitaker says the government should immediately suspend its order and let the collective bargaining process continue. “Anything less,” she said, “amounts to the government rewarding Air Canada’s unwillingness to reach a negotiated deal. It also sends a dangerous signal to other federally regulated employers that you don’t need to bargain in good faith.”
“As a national association of employee organizations and trade unions, CAUT proudly stands in solidarity with CUPE’s Air Canada flight attendants. We will do whatever we can to support their struggle for fair compensation for all hours worked, better working conditions, and the right to strike,” Whitaker added.
CAUT is the national voice of more than 75,000 academic and professional staff at over 130 colleges and universities nationwide.
