CTF/FCE President Statement on Air Canada Strike
On behalf of the provincial and territorial teachers’ unions and the more than 370,000 educators that comprise the CTF/FCE, I am voicing my profound frustration and disappointment in the Government of Canada and the Minister of Jobs and Families mandating striking Air Canada flight attendants back to work and implementing binding arbitration. Stripping workers of their right to job action erodes an essential tenet of both democratic and labour rights. The freedom to associate, and the related collective bargaining rights should not be subject to the whims of the government of the day. Collective bargaining provides the balance between workers and employers and overriding that process unfairly tips the scale in favour of employers. Government must let the collective bargaining process play out without interference.
As a federation of organized labour organizations, we are proud to stand in solidarity with Air Canada flight attendants in their pursuit of fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger job security. Airline workers provide a vital service that facilitates the work of dozens of industries across Canada and globally; they deserve fair wages. Air Canada flight attendants ensure the comfort and safety of hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, and their value cannot be overstated. Teachers and education workers know all too well what the expectations of unpaid work feel like, and we support all workers in their right to compensation for all time spent working. As educators, we also empathize with a highly feminized workforce facing unfair working conditions.
Job action helps illustrate the important nature of the work that members of organized labour unions do. The CTF/FCE will always support unions’ right to strike, and we urge the Minister of Jobs and Families to reverse their decision, allow the collective bargaining process to play out, and for Air Canada to bargain in good faith to reach a deal that is beneficial for workers, Canadians, and the airline.
In solidarity,
Clint Johnston
President, The Canadian Teachers’ Federation
About the CTF/FCE
Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.
Media Contact
Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
[email protected]
Mobile: 613-688-4319
