“Minister
Raitt’s attempt to use the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to
circumvent the rights of our members is outrageous,” says
Moist. “Her rationale for this is
disingenuous and the use of the Canada Labour Code and the CIRB in
this way is indefensible. These disgraceful tactics can be seen as
nothing else but an outright attack on the rights of every worker
in Canada.”Flight attendants rejected a tentative agreement
with Air Canada in a vote concluded on Sunday, and issued a strike
notice to the airline.

The union is ready to return to the bargaining table with Air
Canada management towards a fair collective agreement that will
keep its members and the Canadian public flying. Air Canada has yet
to respond.

“The first excuse from the
federal government for its unnecessary intervention was a supposed
fear of harm to the Canadian economy. Now, out of the blue,
Minister Raitt suspects a strike will endanger the health and
safety of Canadians,” says Moist. “These excuses strain the credibility of the
Harper Conservatives, and are a transparent attack on flight
attendants and every other worker in Canada.” CUPE will
continue to defend the right of its members to free collective
bargaining. “If Minister Raitt
attempts to go through with this misuse of the CIRB, CUPE will
explore all avenues to challenge this abuse of Ministerial
discretion,” concluded Moist.

Earlier today the Air Canada Component of CUPE reiterated its
intention to strike. Flight attendants are preparing to walk off
the job at 12:01 am eastern time, Thursday, October 13, despite
media statements by the Minister of Labour and the airline
attempting to block their right to strike.