Air Canada says it has issued a lock-out notice to flight attendants and will “wind down” its operations in anticipation of a labour dispute, but it has a legal obligation to take care of passengers on any cancelled flights, says nonprofit group Air Passenger Rights (APR).
The airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, have been in contract negotiations for roughly eight months, but have failed to come to an agreement.
The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Aug. 13, and Air Canada responded by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice for the employees.
Air Canada has warned it will begin cancelling flights on Aug. 14, with a complete cancellation of all flights by Air Canada and its Air Canada Rouge brand by Aug. 16. The airline said flights operated by Jazz and PAL will continue to operate as normal….