Ottawa, Ontario, October 10, 2011—As Canada’s Labour Minister, I was informed that the members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) division responsible for AirCanada’s flight attendants have rejected the tentative agreement reached onSeptember 20, 2011. AirCanadaand CUPE bargaining members have reached and recommended two tentative agreements to union members; unfortunately neither has been accepted by the membership.
Our government is disappointed that the union members have rejected yet another tentative agreement reached by the bargaining group and that this matter has not been resolved. The global economy is still fragile and our government’s top priority isCanada’s economic recovery and Canadian jobs.
The best solution is always the one that the parties reach themselves. If the parties are unable to come to a solution, our government is prepared to act to protectCanada’s fragile economy. All options are being considered, including proceeding with the legislation proposed in September, which remains on the House of Common’s notice paper.
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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 DevelopmentCanada
819-994-5559
