Air Canada accused of systematic harassment and discrimination by union
Air Canada has denied a regime of systematic sexual harassment and discrimination after a complaint was lodged with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
In a 13-page complaint the Canadian Union of Public Employees alleged Air Canada has done nothing to curb rampant harassment of crew members.
CUPE lists a number of incidents such as flight attendants being forced to ‘strut their stuff’ in a ‘sexualized fashion show’ when trying the airline’s new uniform.
Women were also subjected to ‘degrading and discriminatory comments’ over appearance, the complaint says.
CUPE says assessment and training programs where management provide specialized training has ‘fostered a work environment of systemic discrimination and harassment’ with employees forced to take part in public critiques of their appearance.
Female employees were held to much more scrutiny over their appearance than male colleagues, it said.
CUPE even alleged sexual harassment of one of its own bargaining committee members by an Air Canada manger.
When it was reported no action was taken, as the manager ‘was going through a rough patch in his marriage’ at the time.
Air Canada refused to address individual issues in the complaint but vice president Renee Smith-Valade said there was ‘no basis in fact’ of the allegations, adding that the company has a ‘robust’ harassment prevention policy in place.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt