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What you need to be aware of as the Air Canada work stoppage approaches

Air Canada's union and the Canadian government have been urged to resume contract negotiations. A work stoppage is imminent, which could affect travel for thousands of people if there is no resolution.

As Canada prepares for flight disruptions, here's where the major stakeholders stand.

Who does the union represent? The Canadian Union of Public Employees, or CUPE, represents more than 10,000 Flight Attendants at Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada. Earlier this week, 99.7% CUPE members voted for a strike if a deal could not be reached.

WHAT DOES THE UNION DESIRE? CUPE wants to be paid for all time worked, including boarding, ground and other travel, which, according to the union, amounts up 35 hours per month. Air Canada has offered to compensate for some of this time at a rate that is half the normal hourly rate.

The airline claims that its latest offer will increase compensation totals by 38% in four years with a 25% rise the first year.

CUPE claims that the offer is only a 17.2% increase in wages, which does not go far enough for attendants who have five years or less of experience. This group makes up about half of its membership. The union hasn't revealed its full demands for wages.

What does Air Canada want?

The carrier's request for binding arbitration was made after the union demanded wages that were "unsustainable."

The union urged the government, under section 107 (Canadian Labor Code), to act in order to maintain industrial peace. CUPE rejects arbitration.

WHAT DOES IT SAY? Patty Hajdu, the Jobs Minister, has called on both sides to resume discussions and agreed to answer the union's arbitration request by 12 noon. ET (1600 GMT) Friday.

When will the strike begin?

CUPE set a 12:58 a.m. strike deadline. ET (0458 GMT) Saturday. Air Canada issued a lockout notification beginning 32 minutes after the announcement.

WHAT WILL THE EFFECT BE ON FLIGHTS? Air Canada and Rouge transport about 130,000 passengers per day. The carrier has begun to cancel flights and is expected to cease operations by August 16, leaving tens of thousand of travelers stranded.

Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will serve about 20% of passengers. Aishwarya Jain, reporting from Bengaluru and Frank McGurty, editing by Chizu Nomiyama.

(source: Reuters)