Air Canada is to resume flights after reaching a “mediated” settlement with the union representing 10,000 of its cabin crew.
The North American airline’s services have been grounded since Saturday (16 August) after the CUPE union called the strike in an ongoing dispute over pay.
But a settlement was announced on Tuesday (19 August) following discussions between the two parties led by a mediator.
In a statement, the airline said that Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights would resume on Tuesday evening with a “gradual ramp up over the coming days”.
“While the restart of our operations will begin immediately, we expect it will take several days before our operations return to normal,” said the airline in an update to passengers. “Please do not head to the airport unless you have a confirmed itinerary.”
Air Canada also warned that some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to 10 days until the schedule is “stabilised”.
Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, added: “The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologise for the impact on them of this labour disruption.
“Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible. Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking.”
CUPE confirmed that a “tentative agreement” had been reached with the airline but it will have to be approved in a vote by union members to end the dispute.