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Patty Hajdu

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 As a result, the airline has withdrawn its third-quarter and annual profit projections.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

Aviation Today News Desk / August 20, 2025

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

Toronto, Canada: Air Canada has started cancelling domestic and international flights ahead of a looming strike by thousands of flight attendants, warning that a complete shutdown could begin in the early hours of Saturday if no agreement is reached. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 9,500 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge cabin crew members, served a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday following a breakdown in contract talks. The airline responded with its own statutory lockout notice, setting the stage for a stoppage of operations from 1 a.m. Eastern Time on August 16. Air Canada announced that it would implement a phased reduction in service to minimise disruption for travellers. Cancellations began on Thursday, August 14, will increase on Friday, and could culminate in a complete grounding of all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights by Saturday morning. The airline estimates about 130,000 passengers per day could be affected during the busy summer travel season. Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau said the approach is intended to avoid “chaotic airport situations” and give passengers clearer timelines to adjust their plans. Regional flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue unaffected, as those crews are not part of the dispute. According to CUPE, entry-level flight attendant wages have only increased by $3 per hour since 2000, while inflation has risen by 69% in the same period. “Our locals have had to set up food banks in our union offices for junior members who cannot afford groceries,” said Lesosky. “Our members need and deserve a fair wage increase that makes everyone whole for the skyrocketing cost of living, and one that lifts our junior flight attendants out of poverty.” At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a major West Coast hub for Air Canada, the impact is expected to be severe. Vancouver Is Awesome reports that YVR-bound and departing flights are already being cut, with further cancellations likely if the strike or lockout begins as scheduled. The airport, which handles significant transpacific and domestic traffic, could see widespread delays, rebookings, and outright cancellations. Passengers travelling through Vancouver have been urged to monitor flight status closely and consider alternative arrangements. Travellers booked on affected flights are entitled to full refunds, free rebooking on Air Canada or partner airlines, or travel credits. The carrier is working with over 120 partner airlines to accommodate displaced passengers, but has warned that available seats will be limited during the peak travel period. Canadian Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said in a statement that she has met both parties and federal mediators will remain engaged until the resolution is found.

Civil Aviation Workforce

Air Canada Cancels Several Flights as Labour Union Announce 72-Hour Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / August 14, 2025

Toronto, Canada: Air Canada has started cancelling domestic and international flights ahead of a looming strike by thousands of flight

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