Air Canada workers may go on strike Monday (March 12)

As early as next Monday over 8,000 unionized workers representing mechanics, cargo agents, and baggage handlers could go on strike. The Federal Government says that a strike would not be in the best interests of Canadians.

The federal Labour Minister Lisa Platt said:"The government is concerned that a strike is possible and is taking this situation very seriously,"? In 2003 and 2004 the union gave many concessions to save Air Canada from bankruptcy. It is no trying to recoup some of the union losses.

However, Air Canada is again suffering losses while its main competitor Westjet is doing better. Air Canada has lost 249 million for the year. The Conservative government legislated postal workers back to work last summer. Some speculate that the government could also force Air Canada workers back to work so that travel is not disrupted during the March break. So far however the labour minister has simply urged the two parties to reach an agreement. For more see this article.