Air Canada on -board agents have officially equipped themselves with a strike mandate and the ranging could start by the end of the month. Should travelers worry? Should they cancel their vacation and find a plan B? What are their appeals in the event of a disruption? The duty take stock.
Will all Air Canada flights canceled at the end of August?
“Voting to acquire a strike mandate is not necessarily to say that there will be a strike,” said John Gradek, aviation expert and lecturer at McGill University.
In full negotiations with Air Canada, unionized members of the personnel of the airline agents voted at 99.7 % in favor of the strike on Tuesday. During the vote week, they were more than 10,000 to express themselves, or 94.6 % of the members of the union. “It is sure that it sends a strong message to the employer. But the negotiations continue, the two parties could still agree and avoid arriving at this means of pressure, “continues Mr. Gradek.
If negotiations stagnate and on-board agents decide to use their strike mandate, it could not technically start until August 19. The union must wait a period of 21 days after the expiration of the conciliation period of 60 days before submitting a strike notice. This means that from August 16 at 0.01 a.m., he will be able to give his strike notice of 72 hours to the air carrier.
Difficult to predict the duration of the conflict and the way in which union members will use their mandate. The possibility of a complete work stoppage cannot be ruled out. There is therefore a risk that thefts be canceled.
Currently, Air Canada and Red Air Canada operate nearly 700 flights carrying around 130,000 passengers per day. By email, the company specifies that “the on -board agents working in Jazz and Pal, who operate the flights of Air Canada Express, are not affected by the negotiations. »»
Will the holders of a ticket be compensated in the event of a strike?
In the event of flight cancellation, Air Canada has the obligation to offer passengers a new flight within 48 hours, whether in one of its planes or in that of another airline. Otherwise, the carrier will reimburse the entire ticket.
During this time, it is up to the company to pay hotel costs and travelers’ meals awaiting a new flight. Accommodation costs, car rental or concert that would have already been paid in advance in the destination city will not be reimbursed. According to the Regulation on the Protection of Air Passengers (RPPA), a labor conflict is considered an “independent situation of the will of the airline”, in the same way as difficult weather conditions or a threat to security. Air Canada is therefore not required to pay additional compensation.
In the case of a trip from Europe, other compensation may be claimed. Even if the flight is operated by Air Canada, it must respect European legislation. This provides compensation of up to 600 euros (961 Canadian dollars) in the event of flight cancellation or delay of more than 9 a.m.
“My advice? Do not cancel your flight now, especially if your ticket is not refundable. It will cost you dearly. Wait rather than Air Canada cancels or moves your flight to obtain compensation, ”recommends John Gradek to travelers.
If the trip is absolutely necessary, the expert recommends buying a repayable ticket now on another airline. “If the strike is triggered, you will have a seat guaranteed for your journey. Otherwise, you will only have to cancel the new post. »»
Is it too risky to book a trip with Air Canada in the coming weeks?
“Everything is a question of risk tolerance and flexibility of the stay,” says John Gradek. If you have not yet bought your ticket and the trip is absolutely necessary, the lecturer recommends going through another company because the risk of strike is indeed present. “If you don’t mind that your flight is canceled last minute or offbeat, don’t hesitate to take your ticket. And again, wait for Canada to take the first steps if you want your compensation. »»
