More than 5,100 Air Canada flight attendants to be laid off amid massive COVID-19 slowdown

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Air Canada is set to lay off more than 5,100 members of its cabin crews because of a dramatic drop in flights related to the COVID-19 outbreak, CBC has learned.

According to a March 19 letter from Renee Smith-Valade, the airline's vice president of in-flight service, says Air Canada has "no choice" but to cut staff, calling the move "difficult but necessary."

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents Air Canada flight attendants, confirmed the news, saying the layoffs will affect about 3,600 Air Canada crew members and all 1,549 of its members who work for the airline's Rouge subsidiary.