Travelers and airports in the Atlantic fear a possible work stoppage that would paralyze all Air Canada and Red Air Canada planes on Saturday morning.
The 10,000 Air Canada, their employer have only a few hours to get along. The Canadian Public Service Syndicate (SCFP) section which represents these workers announced its intention to strike on Saturday morning. The employer replied by transmitting a lockout opinion which must also come into force on Saturday morning.
Guillem Co, a traveler passing through Halifax Thursday for Winnipeg, was worried.
The traveler Guillem Co passing through Stanfield airport in Halifax.
Photo : Radio-Canada
I am quite worried because we are in the middle of August and I have a lot of trips to make. I was visiting family here and I’m going back to work tomorrow. So, not knowing if my flight was going to be canceled or not was quite worrying. I was looking for other flights. For today, it was pretty expensive
explained Guillem Co.
A possible work stoppage also worries the organizers of the Canada Games, which take place these days in Saint-Jean, Newfoundland. Only Ontario and Quebec participants are Air Canada customers, according to the Canada Games Council, which announced this week the implementation of an emergency plan to ensure their trips.
The Canada Games Council recommends that any other person who attends the event and who would also be a customer of Air Canada to do their own steps to find a spare solution if there is work stoppage.
Gábor Lukács, president of the organization rights of travelers.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Gábor Lukács, President of the Traveler Rights organization, advises all Air Canada and Red Air Canada customers to prepare for a possible flight cancellation.
Wait in seeing what will happen. Get continuous updates to available flights from other airlines for your trip. So, if you have to talk to Air Canada, ask him to reserve this other flight to you
recommends Mr. Lukács.
Halifax Airport and that of Moncton recommend travelers who have reserved an air Canada or Red Air Canada flight to consult the airline website or any direct communication on its part to find out the possibilities of cancellation or modification of their flight.
With information from Gareth Hampshireof CBC