Air Canada and its strike agents were ordered by the Minister of Employment Patty Hajdu on Saturday.
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The Federal Minister asked the Canadian Council for Industrial Relations (CCRI) to impose enforceable arbitration on both parties.
“I have exercised the powers conferred on me (…) to order the Canadian Council for Industrial Relations to demand parties that they take over and continue their activities and their functions to ensure industrial peace and protect the interests of Canada, Canadians and the economy,” she said at a press conference in the early afternoon.
“Canadians have already made a lot of sacrifices in this uncertain economy, and this work disturbance only adds to their concerns and financial difficulties,” added Patty Hajdu.
Recall that Air Canada planes have been nailed to the ground since 00:58 on Saturday, as part of a conflict between the airline and the union which represents its on -board agents. Around 130,000 passengers will be affected every day.
“Air Canada strongly advises concerned customers not to go to the airport,” added the company in a statement, adding that it “deeply regrets the repercussions of the strike on customers”.
Patty Hadju said Friday evening that she is considering “unacceptable” the little progress made so far in the discussions.
The airline and the union did not react to the Minister of Employment when writing these lines.