Air Canada Flight Attendants Continue Strike, Defying Back-to-Work Order
Thousands of Air Canada flight attendants have vowed to continue their strike, defying a back-to-work order from the country’s labour tribunal. The strike, which began on Saturday, has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting over 500,000 people worldwide. Despite the disruptions, the flight attendants’ union, CUPE, remains determined to negotiate a fair deal with the airline.
According to CUPE president Mark Hancock, the union is willing to resume talks with Air Canada, but will not respect the tribunal’s ruling to return to work. “None of us want to be in defiance of the law,” Hancock said, “but we will not waver in advocating for our members’ rights.” The union is seeking higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground work, including during boarding.
The strike has caused chaos for summer travelers, with Air Canada cancelling hundreds of flights on Saturday and urging customers not to go to the airport if they have a ticket for Air Canada or its lower-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge. Canada’s largest airline flies directly to 180 cities worldwide and carries over 130,000 daily passengers.
Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked a legal provision to halt the strike and force both sides into binding arbitration over the weekend. However, the union has contested the return-to-work order and continues to strike. Industrial relations expert Rafael Gomez believes the union may be on solid legal footing, as the provision is typically used in situations where strikes have gone on for an extended period.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment that eight months of negotiations between Air Canada and the union did not produce an agreement. “We recognize the critical role that flight attendants play in keeping Canadians and their families safe as they travel,” he said. “It is essential that they’re compensated equitably.”
The strike has also sparked concerns about the economic impact on Canada. The Business Council of Canada warned that an Air Canada work stoppage would exacerbate the economic pinch already being felt from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. On Thursday, Air Canada offered cabin crew a deal that would see senior flight attendants earn an average of CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. However, CUPE has described the offer as “below inflation and below market value.”
As the strike continues, passengers are advised to check with Air Canada for updates on flight schedules and cancellations. The union and airline have resumed talks, with the assistance of a mediator, but a resolution has yet to be reached.
