Air Canada Flight Attendants' Strike Grounds Flights, Impacting Thousands

On August 16, 2025, Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), initiated a strike following unsuccessful contract negotiations. The labor action led to the suspension of approximately 700 daily flights, affecting around 130,000 passengers each day.

The primary issues at the heart of this dispute include demands for increased wages and compensation for unpaid duties performed on the ground, such as boarding and safety checks. Air Canada had proposed a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year; however, CUPE deemed this offer insufficient. The union also highlighted that flight attendants perform about 35 hours of unpaid work each month.

In response to the strike, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose binding arbitration and issue a back-to-work order. Hajdu stated, "This is not a decision that I've taken lightly, but the potential for immediate negative impact on Canadians and our economy is simply too great." Despite this directive, CUPE continued the strike, challenging the order's constitutionality. Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada component of CUPE, remarked, "The Liberals are violating our charter rights to take job action and giving Air Canada exactly what they want — hours and hours of unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants."

The strike has significant economic implications, with potential losses estimated at up to 75 million Canadian dollars per day due to flight cancellations and disruptions. Thousands of passengers were stranded, with many expressing frustration over the sudden cancellations and limited rebooking options during the peak summer travel season. Air Canada announced plans to resume flights on Monday evening, August 18, though some cancellations may persist over the following week as operations stabilize.

This is the first strike by Air Canada's flight attendants since 1985, highlighting the rarity and significance of the current labor action. The union's defiance of the back-to-work order could lead to legal actions, including potential fines or jail time for union leaders, and sets a precedent for future labor disputes in Canada.

As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the outcomes of the legal challenges posed by CUPE and the broader implications for labor relations in Canada.