The victory of Air Canada flight attendants over a back-to-work order from the federal government is a great reason to celebrate Labour Day this September.
CUPE members defied the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruling that their strike was illegal after the federal government invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. CUPE President Mark Hancock said he was willing to do whatever it took—including risking going to jail—to get a fair deal for flight attendants.
Someone had to stand up to a government that was actively stopping collective bargaining, not only in the case of the flight attendants, but also in disputes with railways, ports and Canada Post. This defiance goes back to the roots of why we celebrate Labour Day: to get a better deal for workers.
“Deals are made where they should be—at the bargaining table. That’s good for workers, good for communities, and good for building lasting relationships between unions and employers,” stated the Canadian Labour Congress in an August 19, 2025 statement. “The entire labour movement is grateful to flight attendants for their strength and perseverance in standing firm for these rights.”
This is especially meaningful for us as we prepare to begin bargaining this fall. We will be asking you to stand with each other in solidarity to get a better deal for all of us. If you want to get involved in organizing or the job action committee, please reach out to any one of us on the union executive. We would love to hear from you.
Family Labour Day Picnic
We hope to see you this September 1 at Fraser Valley Labour Council’s family-friendly Labour Day Picnic in Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park. FSA representatives are hosting a table and giving out mini freezies. Come say hi!
When: Monday, September 1, 2025, 11 am–2 pm
Where: Mill Lake Park, 32960 Mill Lake Road, Abbotsford, BC (Entrance off Bevan Ave, by Godson Elementary School)
What to expect:
- Fresh, local Chilliwack corn & hot dogs
- Face painting for the little ones (and the young at heart)!
- Balloon creations that will blow your mind!
- Bubbles galore
Come out and enjoy a day full of fun with friends, family, and neighbours from across the Fraser Valley! This FREE event is a celebration for ALL ages.
Holiday Gathering Survey
Mark your calendars: The Holiday Gathering is on Saturday, November 29 at Evered Hall. If you didn’t get a chance to fill out our survey about the Holiday Gathering at the Great Campus Gathering on Wednesday, click here to let us know what you think.
In solidarity,
Lisa Morry
VP Member Engagement
