Members of the union representing Air Canada flight attendants voted 99.7 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary, the union said. CBC News
Tensions are rising at Air Canada as more than 10,000 flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. The move comes after months of failed contract talks, with no agreement reached on crucial matters such as wages, work rules, and compensation for unpaid hours.
The vote, conducted by the Air Canada Component of CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees), resulted in a resounding 99.7% of members supporting a strike mandate. The union represents flight attendants working for both Air Canada and its leisure arm, Air Canada Rouge.
Strike Still Avoidable — But Clock Is Ticking
While the vote signals strong support for a walkout, it doesn’t mean a strike is certain. However, the union has made it clear they are ready to act. If a deal isn’t reached soon, CUPE says it could issue a formal 72-hour strike notice as early as August 16.
"The company would rather drag their feet than negotiate on the things that matter to our members," said CUPE’s division president Wesley Lesosky. "Flight attendants have spoken — and they’re telling the company to take this seriously."
Air Canada responded with a statement acknowledging the strike vote. The airline downplayed the move, calling it a “normal step” in labour talks. It also confirmed its commitment to resuming negotiations and said it believes there is still enough time to reach an agreement that avoids travel disruptions.
Contract Expired, Concerns Escalating
The dispute follows the expiration of a 10-year contract back in March. In May, CUPE filed for conciliation with the federal labour minister, saying discussions had hit a wall.
The union hasn’t released detailed demands, but wages and unpaid labour are at the heart of the issue. According to Lesosky, entry-level wages have seen minimal growth in the past decade. A new flight attendant used to start at $25.13 per hour — today, it’s just $30.02.
That’s not the only sticking point. The union claims flight attendants regularly work without pay during critical duties like safety checks, boarding, deplaning, and prepping the cabin — all tasks that directly affect passenger safety and comfort.
"Air Canada is raking in profits and piling junk fees on passengers while failing to pay us for essential work," said Lesosky. "They have no excuse. They can afford to do better without charging customers more."
Profits Up, But Tensions Simmer
Air Canada reported over $22 billion in operating revenue for 2024, up 2% from the year before. Its net income reached $1.7 billion. That financial performance is fuelling employee frustration, with CUPE accusing the airline of exploiting staff while increasing public costs.
Back in May, the airline declined to comment on specific pay negotiations. It defended its current pay model, saying it aligns with global airline standards.
What Comes Next?
With a potential strike looming, both sides now face mounting pressure to return to the table. Air Canada says it's ready to resume talks — but whether meaningful progress can be made in time remains uncertain.
For now, the countdown is on. If no agreement is reached, Canada’s national airline could be headed for its first major flight attendant strike in over a decade — one that may leave passengers grounded and flight crews standing their ground.
