MONTREAL — Air Canada has provided an update on its flight attendant tentative agreement, assuring travellers that “there will be no strike or lockout,” no matter the outcome.

Voting on the mediated tentative agreement began on Aug. 27 and will close on Sept. 6. The voting period comes on the heels of a three-day strike, which saw Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge’s flight attendants walk off the job on Aug. 17 and later defying a back-to-work order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Air Canada component (CUPE), which represents more than 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants, reached a tentative agreement with the assistant of a mediator n Aug. 19.

“We know the past few weeks have been difficult for our customers and for our employees. Air Canada is deeply grateful for the professionalism of our employees and for the patience and confidence our customers have shown as we worked through this process,” said the airline in an official statement.

The airline remains cautious ahead of the voting results. “While we remain hopeful the agreement will be ratified, there is a possibility that it will not be accepted by members.”

According to Air Canada, during mediation, the two sides mutually agreed in advance that if the agreement was not ratified, the wage portion would be referred to mediation and then, if no agreement was reached at that stage, to arbitration. This ensures that any outstanding wage matters are resolved fairly, without disruption to our operations. Air Canada is fully committed to the mediation and arbitration process, if the tentative agreement is not ratified.

“Whatever the outcome of the vote, there will be no strike or lockout. Our flights will continue to operate, thanks to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our customers. Together, we will keep Canadians moving with confidence and our customers can plan, book and travel with full confidence,” said the airline.

Air Canada says the tentative agreement will make its flight attendants “the best compensated in Canada,” with total compensation increasing by around 40% over the four-year term of the contract.

The airline also says that for the first time ever in over 30 years of negotiations with the company, CUPE asked that pay for ground duties by specifically accounted for in the flight attendant contract. Previously, pay for ground duties was an element of overall compensation. The new contract contains specific provisions for ground pay that are considered industry leading in Canada. The tentative agreement also contains improvements to pensions, working conditions, benefits and other work life enhancements.