"Tearful setback for a Girl Guide member: Air Canada workers' strike impedes once-in-a-lifetime journey"
Air Canada Strike Continues, Class-Action Lawsuits Pending
The ongoing labour dispute between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has resulted in a series of class-action lawsuits and widespread flight cancellations.
The job action initiated by CUPE defied a back-to-work order, causing the strike to continue until Monday. This decision led to the cancellation of numerous flights, affecting thousands of passengers.
In response, Air Canada had a statutory obligation to book passengers on the next available flight when they couldn't respect the 48-hour rule. However, due to the prolonged strike, many passengers were left stranded.
Two separate class-action lawsuits have been filed against the parties involved. Lambert Avocats is seeking approval for a class-action lawsuit against CUPE, claiming the union's illegal strike prolonged and worsened flight cancellations. On the other hand, LPC Avocats and Renno Vathilakis have filed a class-action lawsuit against Air Canada.
The proposed class-action suit against CUPE is for all persons who had a reservation for Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge for flights scheduled after Sunday at 2 p.m., that were subsequently cancelled due to CUPE's decision to maintain its strike. Meanwhile, the class-action lawsuit against Air Canada is open to anyone worldwide who was not provided a reservation for the next available flight or alternative travel arrangements as required by law.
Joey Zukran of LPC Avocats estimates damages could be in the $50-million range. Hosein-Patel's family has also joined the proposed class-action lawsuit against Air Canada, filed by LPC Avocats and Renno Vathilakis.
It is important to note that neither of the proposed class-action suits has yet been approved. The Canada Industrial Relations Board asked CUPE to direct the flight attendants to return to work less than 12 hours after the strike began.
Meanwhile, the Canada Post union and the company have restarted labour talks after the Air Canada strike ended. The resolution of these ongoing disputes will provide much-needed relief to the affected passengers and the companies involved.
In conclusion, the Air Canada strike has led to a series of class-action lawsuits and widespread flight cancellations. The resolution of these disputes will provide much-needed relief to the affected passengers and the companies involved.
