Updated statement on the Air Canada labour disruption

Update to Statement below given announcement by Minister Hajdu to refer Air Canada flight attendants strike to Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB):

The federal government is to be commended for its quick action today, and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board should follow the Minister’s example in the best interest of all Canadians.

It is not too late to restore passenger and air cargo flights tonight, which would help as many as 80,000 Canadians with flights to and from both Asia and Europe.

Pre-Announcement Statement:

Neither the Canadian economy nor Canadian families can withstand a massive disruption in air passenger and air cargo services due to a labour dispute.

Since both sides now confirm negotiations have reached an impasse, the government must act in the national interest and intervene immediately.

The federal government has a responsibility to all Canadians to use its lawful authority to restore service today. The cost of inaction would be devastating.