Air Canada Faces Major Disruption as Flight Attendants Prepare to Strike

Image Credit: Nel Botha

Air Canada is preparing for a significant disruption in its operations as over 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are set to strike starting Saturday, August 16, 2025. The airline has initiated a phased cancellation of flights, with a complete suspension of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge services expected by the weekend. However, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines are scheduled to continue as planned.

The labor dispute centers on issues such as low pay and unpaid labor. CUPE has highlighted that flight attendants are not compensated for essential duties performed during boarding, deplaning, and handling in-flight medical emergencies. The union is demanding full compensation for these ground duties, whereas Air Canada has proposed paying only 50% of the hourly wage for such tasks. Additionally, the union claims that the airline’s offer of a 38% pay increase over four years falls short of addressing inflation and rising living costs.

In response to the strike notice, Air Canada issued a 72-hour lockout notice, initiating a phased shutdown of operations. The airline is also seeking federal government intervention to impose binding arbitration, a move opposed by CUPE, which prefers to reach a negotiated agreement.

The strike is expected to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers, particularly during the peak summer season. Air Canada carries approximately 130,000 customers daily, and the shutdown will significantly affect both domestic and international travel. Affected passengers are advised to check the airline’s website for updates and alternative travel options.

This potential strike adds to the history of labor disputes involving Air Canada. In 1997, flight attendants for Air Ontario, now part of Air Canada Jazz, went on strike for 11 days over similar issues, including wages and working conditions.

As the deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and consider alternative travel arrangements if their plans coincide with the strike period. The outcome of this labor dispute could have lasting implications for labor relations within the Canadian airline industry.