Toronto, Canada: Air Canada’s cabin crew strike, now in its fourth consecutive day, continues to paralyze operations across the airline, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded during the height of the summer travel season. Approximately 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have refused to comply with a federal labor board directive to return to work. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has declared the strike illegal, yet CUPE remains resolute in its demands for higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground duties such as boarding passengers that are currently not compensated. CUPE leaders, notably President Mark Hancock, have stated they are prepared to face fines or imprisonment rather than abandon their strike. “If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it,” Hancock has said. The strike has wreaked havoc on Air Canada’s schedule, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of flights and leaving approximately 500,000 passengers impacted worldwide. Air Canada’s flight operations ground to a halt, with full suspension of mainline and Air Canada Rouge flights. Only regional services by Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz and PAL) continue to operate. As a result, the airline has withdrawn its third-quarter and annual profit projections. Analysts estimate Air Canada is losing tens of millions of Canadian dollars each day due to the strike. Despite the deadlock and the illegal status of the strike, talks are underway between Air Canada, CUPE, and mediator William Kaplan. However, progress remains limited. Minister Patty Hajdu of the federal Jobs portfolio has encouraged both parties toward mediation and ordered an investigation into claims regarding unpaid on-the-ground work. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the prolonged impasse as “disappointing,” acknowledging both the critical role of cabin crew and the severe inconvenience to consumers. The government is weighing options, including legal enforcement or “back-to-work” legislation, once Parliament reconvenes in mid-September. In parallel, other labor groups have thrown their support behind CUPE. The Canadian Labour Congress has offered legal and financial assistance, warning that “all cards are on the table,” while Air Canada’s pilot union encouraged its members to join picket lines during off-duty hours. Employer groups, including the Federation of Federally Regulated Employers Transportation and Communications (FETCO), have sharply criticized CUPE for defying the order, describing their actions as undermining the labor relations framework and eroding economic stability.
Civil Aviation Workforce

Air Canada Cabin Crew Strike Enters Day 4 as Cabin Crew Reject Back-to-Work Ruling

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Toronto, Canada:  Air Canada’s cabin crew strike, now in its fourth consecutive day, continues to paralyze operations across the airline, […]