Air Canada flight attendants were seen on the picket line at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (The Canadian Press)
Hundreds of Air Canada passengers faced frustration this weekend as flight attendants staged a large protest at Calgary International Airport. The demonstration came after the federal government ordered attendants back to work following cancelled flights and long delays.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu directed operations to resume under the union’s existing contract, with binding arbitration to decide the outcome. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) rejected the order, calling it a betrayal of worker rights.
Union Refuses to Return
Despite the government’s directive, CUPE leaders said they would not go back. Brittany Thomas, head of CUPE Local 49, told reporters the strike would continue.
“We are staying on strike. As of now,” she said. “We believe that we have that right. We are not obligated to return to work.”
Air Canada initially announced flights would restart Sunday. Hours later, the airline said service would resume Monday evening instead.
Honeymoon Plans in Jeopardy
Passengers scrambled to save travel plans. Emma and Quinn Demers had booked a honeymoon trip to Boston, Cape Cod, and New York. At 3 a.m., Emma got a text saying their flight was cancelled.
“Just something you look forward to, and then things change,” she said. The couple had prepaid hotels and a concert, with little time to re-book. Both return to work August 26.
Growing Strain on Staff
Union leaders say conditions have worsened for years. Fewer attendants now serve more passengers, increasing workload and stress.
“The unpaid work component has escalated over the years,” Thomas explained. She said crews don’t get paid until planes push back from the gate, despite hours of preparation. More passengers, heavier luggage, and medical issues only add to the strain.
“There’s so many pressures, and less of us on board,” she said.
Passengers Forced Into Long Detours
Other travellers described exhausting reroutes. A group of six heading to Cancun shared their ordeal.
“We got redirected to Edmonton, then Denver, then San Francisco before Cancun,” said passenger Isaac Kazeil. The trip stretched to 20 hours instead of five. Air Canada covered the $22,000 rerouting bill.
“$22,000 is crazy,” Kazeil said. “Makes you not want to fly with Air Canada next time.”
Union Vows to Fight
Picket lines grew louder across Canada, including at Toronto Pearson Airport. CUPE component president Wesley Lesosky said the union would not accept Hajdu’s order.
“I sent them back a video of it being ripped up,” he said. “Air Canada needs to see that all these people are standing behind their union. We need a fair agreement.”
