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Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE
Brother Lesosky,
Re: Unifor in Solidarity with Air Canada Component of CUPE
On behalf of Unifor’s 320,000 members across Canada, including our 17,000 members working in the air transportation sector, please accept our support and solidarity as you continue your fight for a stronger, fairer collective agreement.
Last week’s overwhelming 99.7% strike vote sent a powerful and clear message to Air Canada’s leadership: flight attendants deserve respect, fair compensation, and safe working conditions. They should not be forced to settle for less.
We understand the unique challenges that workers in this industry face. Across Canada, airline workers continue to face stagnant wages, precarious work, and threats of privatization and contracting out.
As Canada’s air travel sector continues to grow, and with corporate profits on the rise, it is only right that the wages and working conditions of those who sustain the industry improve alongside it.
We stand united with you and your members in your call for Air Canada to fairly compensate flight attendants for the critical pre-flight duties they perform, such as safety checks and assisting passengers. These responsibilities are not optional; they are essential to passenger safety and the smooth operation of every flight. Denying pay for this work is a denial of the value and commitment to safety that these workers bring to the job everyday.
What we collectively win at the bargaining table sets an important precedent for airline workers across the country. As you continue to push forward, please know that our union supports your efforts to secure fair wages and working conditions, and our shared right to free and fair collective bargaining, including the right to strike.
At a time when Air Canada proudly markets itself as a reflection of Canadian values, their labour practices must align with the qualities Canadians proudly espouse: respect, dignity and fairness.
Unifor stands in solidarity with CUPE and calls on Air Canada to return to the bargaining table in good faith, recognize the invaluable contributions of flight attendants, and reach an agreement that ensures all hours of work are fully compensated.
I am encouraging our members and allies across the country to support your efforts by visiting unfaircanada.com and standing together in solidarity with Air Canada flight attendants.
Please know that our union is here to support you every step of the way, and I remain available to discuss any further actions that Unifor can take to support your members until a fair agreement is reached.
In solidarity,
Lana Payne
National President
