MONTREAL, Nov. 7, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today it has received the final and binding ruling by Elizabeth MacPherson, Chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), regarding unresolved matters between Air Canada and CUPE, the union representing the airline's 6,800 flight attendants.  Following a hearing at which both parties were represented, this ruling by an independent and well-respected third party orders the implementation of the second tentative agreement reached September 20, 2011 as the new binding collective agreement between the airline and its flight attendants.

"Air Canada is pleased with this final and binding decision to implement the terms of the second tentative agreement that was reached with CUPE's democratically-elected leadership in September," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  "The implementation of a new collective agreement with our flight attendants ends a period of uncertainty for our customers and will allow Air Canada and its employees to move forward together."

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international full-service airline providing scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 175 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 33 million customers annually. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance.  For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com.