Air Canada points out ‘facts of life’ to flight attendants

Recently, there has been a disagreement about the work policy between Air Canada and its flight attendants. The flight attendants are discouraged by the irregular hours, short notice calls, overnight shifts and delays due to unforeseen plane maintenance.  Due to these factors, flight attendants argue for an increase of salary to compensate for this kind unfair work practice.  Some come to view the work rules as abusive since it often leaves them feeling overworked and underpaid on certain shifts.  The president of CUPE’s Air Canada component, Jeff Taylor said, “Employees are disenchanted by a payment system that they argue fails to fully compensate them for “duty days,” notably ones involving domestic overnight shifts with layovers of almost five hours at an airport.” In defence, Susan Welscheid, Air Canada’s senior vice-president of customer service, stated the benefits, extra cash bonuses full-time workers obtained.  Therefore, she feels that there are no disadvantages to the flight crew and that those work conditions are a part of the occupation.  However, she is still willing to negotiate for a harmonized deal.  Do you think the flight attendants are asking for more than they deserve?