Updated story 4:15 pm
The Prince George Airport is waiting to see what the fallout will be if the 10-thousand flight attendants with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge follow through with its 72-hour strike notice that could go into effect at 10pm on Friday if a new contract isn’t reached.
The airline has since countered with a lockout notice that would occur on the same evening.
YXS Spokesperson, Chrissy Blok said Air Canada is doing its best to keep its travellers informed.
“They are sending out emails, they are sending out texts and updating the app where travellers are going to be affected by this. They have implemented their flexible re-booking policy so travellers are urged to utilize that.”
“People can still travel to and from Prince George on Air Canada Express but we are not certain if Air Canada can’t fly out of their major hubs, what does that trickle down effect look like for the smaller, regional airports that rely on Air Canada Express.”
Air Canada Express, which operates out of YXS, is a brand name of the regional “feeder” flights that falls under a different union – however any connecting flights to major hubs such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary or Montreal could be delayed or cancelled.
Updated story 10:00am
The Prince George Airport offered the following update this morning (Wednesday) in regards to resources for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge travellers.
Air Canada is beginning a phased wind down of most of their operations, to be completed over the next three days.
Air Canada has prepared an FAQ page and a flexible rebooking policy is in effect. They are encouraging travellers to utilize online self serve options to manage their bookings.
The airline will be re-booking customers and will be notified via email/text/app.
Resources/FAQ: www.aircanada.com/action
YXS “Air Canada” flights are not affected. Air Canada Express operates out of YXS, which is a brand name of regional “feeder” flights.
Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines are the sole operators of Air Canada Express with a different union and different contract.
Original Story at 9:02am
Air Canada’s ten-thousand flight attendants will be walking off the job this weekend, if a new contract agreement isn’t reached.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees has issued a 72-hour strike notice, to go into effect Friday night at 10 (PDT)
The union, in its bargaining update, also said the company had issued a lockout notice with the lockout set to begin Friday night at 10:30.
The move comes after Air Canada declared talks with the union “at an impasse,” with what the airline describes as a “huge gap” between the two sides.
It has suggested binding arbitration, a move the union has rejected.
The big issues are wages and being paid for the time they actually work.
Currently, flight attendants are only paid from when the aircraft doors close until they open at their destination.
If a strike occurs, connecting flights may be delayed or cancelled, even if the initial leg from the northern capital operates as scheduled.
– with files from Vista Radio news wire
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