Air Canada flight attendants have officially go on strike. CTV News
Air Canada flight attendants have officially walked off the job after negotiations with the airline failed. The strike, announced by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on Saturday, has already disrupted travel across the country.
The airline confirmed widespread cancellations in the days leading up to the strike deadline. As of Friday noon, 294 flights had been cancelled, with nearly 500 more cut in anticipation of the work stoppage. Air Canada said the shutdown affects around 130,000 passengers daily.
All Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights have been grounded. Regional flights under Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, remain unaffected.
Passengers Advised to Check Before Heading to Airports
The airline urged customers not to arrive at airports unless they had new confirmed bookings. “If your flight is cancelled, don’t go to the airport without a confirmed new booking,” Air Canada said.
Passengers will be contacted directly by email or text if their flight is cancelled. The airline assured travelers that full refunds can be requested through its website or mobile app.
Eight Months of Negotiations Collapse
The strike comes after more than eight months of tense negotiations. On August 11, CUPE’s Air Canada Component submitted a revised wage proposal, which was later rejected.
Union leaders argue that entry-level wages have risen only 10 per cent — about $3 per hour — in the past 25 years. They also highlight that attendants are not compensated for significant portions of their workday, including safety checks, medical emergencies, and assisting passengers during boarding and deplaning.
In response, Air Canada issued its own lockout notice, stating attendants would be prevented from working as of Saturday.
Disagreement Over Pay Increases
Air Canada insists its latest offer was fair, claiming it included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years. This figure covered wages, pensions, and benefits.
However, the union rejected the proposal, arguing that the 8 per cent pay increase in the first year failed to keep pace with inflation. CUPE said its goal was to secure an agreement that members could vote on, rather than accept terms handed down.
Government Urges Return to Talks
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to resume discussions. Speaking Friday, she stressed the importance of reaching a negotiated settlement.
“It’s critical the two sides return to the table and find common ground,” Hajdu said.
Strong Strike Support Among Members
Earlier this summer, CUPE flight attendants overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action. In July, 99.7 per cent of members backed the motion, signaling frustration with long-standing wage and work condition issues.
With the strike now underway, travelers are bracing for significant disruptions. Air Canada faces mounting pressure to resolve the dispute quickly, as stranded passengers and halted operations intensify the crisis.
