Government intervention likely in Air Canada labour dispute

A threat by Air Canada flight attendants to strike has the federal government considering intervening in the labour dispute. The flight attendants have rejected a deal made between the union and the airline. They plan to go on strike as early as Thursday.

 In a statement, the Labour Minister made it clear that work stoppage is unacceptable in this time of fragile economy. This is the second time a tentative deal has been rejected by the flight attendants.

 The Labour Minister admitted that the rejection of two consecutive agreements shows a possible problem with the Canadian Labour Code.

 In the event of a strike, Air Canada has said that it will maintain a partial schedule. Customers flying within the next five days will be allowed to change their travel dates at no charge.