Toronto,
October 12, 2011 – Flight attendants represented by the
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are preparing to walk
off the job at 12:01 am, October 13, despite media statements by
the Minister of Labour and the airline hinting at blocking their
right to strike.

The union is in a legal strike position, and has to date received
no order to the contrary. CUPE remains available to resume
negotiations with Air Canada, but is preparing for a strike set to
begin after midnight.