Ottawa, Ontario, September 16, 2011—Today, as Canada’s Labour Minister, I received a notice of intent to strike from the Canadian Union of Public Employees division responsible for Air Canada’s flight attendants effective September 21. Our Government is concerned that a strike is being considered and we are taking this situation very seriously.
With the global economy still fragile, our Government’s top priority remains completing the economic recovery. That is why I continue to encourage both parties either to reach a deal or to agree to submit to a binding process to settle their collective agreement and avoid a work stoppage. Any work stoppage would negatively impact Canada’s economy and threaten our fragile economic recovery.
I remind the parties that the best solution in any dispute is one that the parties reach themselves. I urge the parties to reach a negotiated agreement as soon as possible.
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For further information (media only)
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
