Air Canada flight attendants set to vote next week on deal ending strike. Global News
More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants will vote next week on a tentative deal. The agreement includes wage increases and a pay structure for time spent on the ground. The vote will run from August 27 to September 6.
End of Strike and Flights Resuming
The deal, reached Tuesday with a federal mediator, ended a strike that disrupted thousands of travelers. Two days after operations restarted, Air Canada reported that most domestic and international flights were back on schedule.
Details of the Tentative Deal
Junior flight attendants would receive a 12% pay increase this year. Senior attendants will get an 8% raise. All members will receive further increases: 3% in 2026, 2.5% in 2027, and 2.75% in 2028.
While members vote on the full agreement, many terms such as pensions, health benefits, rest periods, and vacation rules are already finalized. If the vote does not pass, wage terms would go to arbitration, while other provisions remain in effect.
Ground Pay Included
A major part of the deal addresses unpaid work while planes are on the ground. Starting this year, attendants earn half their hourly rate for 60 minutes on narrow-body planes and 70 minutes on wide-body aircraft. This rises to 60% in April 2026, 65% in 2027, and 70% in 2028. Ground pay terms are final, regardless of the ratification vote.
Industry Impact
York University labour professor Steven Tufts says paying for ground time could set a precedent for the airline industry. He noted that Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have introduced similar policies for their flight attendants. Other carriers, including WestJet, may follow as contracts come up for renewal.
Government Oversight
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu announced a federal probe into allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector. She called the situation “deeply disturbing” and said legislation may close such loopholes if violations are confirmed.
Strike Background
The Air Canada strike began last Saturday. Hajdu intervened within 12 hours, invoking the Canada Labour Code to force arbitration. The Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered attendants back to work Sunday, but the union initially defied the order. Negotiations resumed Monday, leading to the tentative agreement overnight.
Service Recovery
Air Canada’s online dashboard reports that 98% of domestic flights and 99% of U.S. flights are expected to operate. International flights are nearly restored at 94% of planned schedules. Full service recovery could take up to 10 days.
Customer Compensation
The airline introduced a reimbursement policy for customers affected by cancellations from August 15 to 23. Compensation covers alternative transportation, accommodations, meals, and other reasonable expenses.
