Two New Brunswick chambers of commerce say a possible strike by Air Canada flight attendants could disrupt air travel and hurt the economy.
The chambers in Saint John and Fredericton are calling on the federal government to be prepared in case talks break down.
The flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are in ongoing negotiations with the airline.
A work stoppage could affect service nationwide, including regional airports in New Brunswick, according to both chambers.
The chambers are raising concerns about the broader economic risks of a strike and emphasize the importance of uninterrupted air service.
The groups voiced that a service suspension could undermine critical infrastructure at a time of economic uncertainty.
The chambers pointed to local airports as a key link for commerce, tourism, education, health care, and immigration services.
They said that any disruption could slow local economic activity and affect national progress, the chamber said.
Both chambers acknowledged the rights of workers to seek fair compensation and described flight attendants as essential professionals in Canada’s air travel sector.
However, they also stressed the need to consider the wider impact of a strike, citing global trade pressures and shifting supply chain dynamics.
The chambers are calling on Air Canada and CUPE to reach a fair and timely resolution.
They also said the federal government should be prepared to act if negotiations fail.
