Union Urges Federal Parties to Pledge ‘Unpaid Work Won’t Fly!’

As part of CUPE’s “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly” campaign, the union, which represents 18,500 flight attendants in Canada, is encouraging federal candidates to sign a pledge stating they will work to end unpaid work for flight attendants.

Presently, Canadian flight attendants work an average of 34.86 hours without pay, time that includes carrying out pre- and post-flight duties, some of which are mandated by Transport Canada for safety. 

As the federal election ramps up, CUPE is asking politicians to, if elected, commit to reintroducing legislation in the House of Commons that was introduced by NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo in the now-dissolved 44th sitting of Parliament. 

The pledge, in part, reads that the candidate and their party “will support the reintroduction of Bill C-415, or legislation expressing the intent and scope of Bill C415, from the 44th Parliament, to require airlines in Canada to pay flight attendants for all hours worked – including pre-flight and post-flight duties, as well as training – at their full regular rate of pay.”

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