Air Canada operations will be continuing, following Federal Government orders for the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to arbitrate the dispute.
This comes after workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) went on strike at 10 p.m. Pacific yesterday (Friday).
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu issuing a statement saying an impact of a nationwide labour disruption of this scale is already being felt by Canadians and visitors, and will grow significantly with a prolonged dispute.
She adds that directing CIRB to arbitrate the dispute is critical to maintaining and securing industrial peace, protecting Canadians and promoting conditions for a resolution.
“This decision will help make sure that hundreds of thousands of Canadians and visitors to our country are not impacted because of cancelled flights.” said Hajdu.
“Further, the shipments of critical goods such as pharmaceuticals and organ tissue, over 40% of which are moved by Air Canada, should continue to reach their destinations.”
Hajdu noted that despite the parties’ resolution of several key differences, the CIRB is best positioned to help them find a solution on the outstanding items.
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