The
Flight attendants are typically compensated based on time in the air, so hours spent on the tarmac tending to frustrated travellers yields no extra wages in some cases, while other collective agreements allow for half pay. The problem, most acute at
"They're actively doing water service, helping people. The cabins are getting hot, because obviously they're on the ground ... they can be tending to ensuring the aisles are clear, doorways are clear," he said in a phone interview from
"For Air Canada Rouge, there's zero pay, zero compensation for them. For
The on-the-ground work can be even more taxing — and occasionally abusive — than service in the sky, he added.
"We've definitely seen a huge increase in irate customers, and just health and safety issues in general for cabin crew."
Time on board also eats into employee downtime between flights, potentially contravening contract provisions — a potential problem for airlines as well, said former Air Canada chief operating officer
"If flights are routinely delayed and crews are unable to meet their minimum crew rest then a cascading effect happens where subsequent flights are delayed, not only because the plane is arriving late, but because crews must have a minimum number of hours to rest after a full duty day."
Even half-time pay for tarmac delays could also wind up costing carriers a bundle, he added.
Lesosky says airlines and federal agencies need to hire more staff to improve the flow of passengers and that an "outdated" system of compensation must be reformed.
Airports, particularly in
On Wednesday, Transport Minister
"WestJet is extremely concerned with the state of services provided by government agencies at our air borders and security screening points," spokeswoman
Along with the
The union spoke with Air Canada Rouge representatives Thursday afternoon, and planned to discuss the labour issues with
This report by
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