Over the past several months, your Air Canada Component Executive has been participating in consultations with the Government of Canada on the future of labour relations, collective bargaining, and Canada’s approach to labour rights in an evolving global economy.
These consultations have brought together representatives from organized labour, employers, industry, academia, and government. While a wide range of perspectives have been shared, one issue stands above all others for your Union:
The protection of workers’ constitutional rights, including the right to meaningful collective bargaining and freedom of association. This is not simply a discussion taking place in Ottawa. The decisions made through these consultations may influence how future generations of federally regulated workers including Air Canada Flight Attendants exercise their collective bargaining rights.
Many of you will remember our 2025 round of bargaining. Our negotiations ultimately concluded in part through interest arbitration following government intervention. The broader questions raised during that process remain very much alive.
How should governments balance economic concerns with the constitutional rights of workers?
When, if ever, should governments intervene in collective bargaining?
How do we ensure Canada remains both economically strong and committed to protecting the rights and freedoms that define our democracy? These are the very questions now being considered.
The Supreme Court of Canada has made clear that collective bargaining is more than a statutory process—it is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In its landmark decision in Saskatchewan Federation of Labour v. Saskatchewan (2015), the Court stated:
“The right to strike is an indispensable component of a meaningful process of collective bargaining.”
That principle reflects an important reality.
The right to strike is not about creating conflict. It exists because meaningful negotiations require a balance between employers and employees. Employers possess significant financial resources, operational control, and management authority. Workers have one meaningful counterbalance the collective ability to withdraw their labour when negotiations reach an impasse.
When both parties understand that they must reach an agreement through negotiation, they are encouraged to bargain seriously, compromise where appropriate, and find practical solutions. Healthy labour relations are not built by preventing disputes. They are built by fostering meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and freely negotiated collective agreements.
Throughout these consultations, your Union has consistently emphasized that protecting workers’ rights and supporting a strong Canadian economy are not competing objectives. Canada is working to expand international trade and strengthen relationships with new trading partners. Those are important national priorities, and we recognize the importance of a competitive and prosperous economy.
However, economic success should never come at the expense of the constitutional rights of working Canadians. Canada’s reputation has long been built upon respect for democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms. Those values should continue to guide our labour relations system.
Working people have helped build every part of this country from our railways, ports, airports, and communications systems to our financial institutions and public infrastructure. Every day, federally regulated workers keep Canada’s economy moving, connect our communities, and provide important to Canadians.
Your Component has been proud to represent the interests of Air Canada Flight Attendants during these consultations. We have shared our experiences, highlighted the importance of meaningful collective bargaining, and advocated for labour laws that recognize both the dignity of work and the constitutional protections afforded to all Canadians.
We have also reminded government that strong labour rights and a strong economy are not mutually exclusive. History has shown that stable workplaces, productive businesses, and prosperous economies are built when workers are respected, when good-faith bargaining is encouraged, and when both parties are committed to finding fair and lasting solutions.
While we cannot predict the decisions the Government of Canada will ultimately make, we can assure you that your Union will continue to advocate vigorously for the preservation of Charter-protected rights and a labour relations system that remains balanced, fair, and respectful of all parties.
This is an important moment in history for federally regulated workers.
The decisions made today will help shape the future of labour relations in Canada for many years to come.
The rights enjoyed by working Canadians today were not simply granted. They were earned through the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of generations of workers who believed that fairness, dignity, and respect in the workplace were worth fighting for. We have a responsibility to ensure those rights are protected and strengthened for those who follow. As your elected representatives, we will continue to engage constructively with government, work alongside the broader Canadian labour movement, and advocate for a future where economic prosperity and constitutional rights advance together.
By standing together, speaking with one voice, and participating meaningfully in these discussions, we can help ensure that Canada’s labour relations system continues to reflect the values that have long defined our country: fairness, democracy, respect, and opportunity for all.
As always, we will keep you informed as these consultations continue.
Govern yourselves accordingly,
Your ACCEX