Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), started a strike at 1:00 am EDT on Saturday, August 16, 2025. This action follows the expiration of a decade-long agreement in March and a subsequent eight-month deadlock in settlements.
The strike has actually successfully grounded the airline company’s operations, affecting around 130,000 travelers daily. Air Canada has actually suspended all flights throughout of the work interruption, consisting of those run by Air Canada Rouge. Local services run by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines stay untouched.
The heart of the disagreement
At the core of the conflict is the concern of settlement. CUPE competes that flight attendants are not made up for substantial parts of their work, consisting of crucial security checks, taking care of onboard medical and security emergency situations, and helping guests with boarding and deplaning. The union likewise highlights that entry-level flight attendants’ salaries have actually increased by just 10 percent ($3 per hour) over the previous 25 years, stopping working to keep rate with inflation.
In action, Air Canada proposed a 38 percent overall settlement boost over 4 years, consisting of an 8 percent raise in the very first year. CUPE declined this deal, arguing that the genuine boost for numerous members is simply 17.2 percent, inadequate to resolve the increasing expense of living.
Federal government Intervention
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has actually revealed issue over the absence of development in settlements and has actually prompted both celebrations to go back to the bargaining table. The federal government is promoting for continued discussion to accomplish an arrangement and prevent more interruptions.
Popular opinion appears to prefer the flight attendants, with 59 percent of Canadians supporting their push for boarding pay. This prevalent assistance highlights the general public’s acknowledgment of the important services offered by flight attendants and the significance of reasonable payment.
Effect on Travelers
The strike has actually left countless tourists stranded or dealing with considerable hold-ups. Air Canada has actually canceled numerous flights, and travelers are recommended not to go to the airport without a verified brand-new reservation. The airline company is providing complete refunds and minimal rebooking choices through other airline companies, although seats are limited due to high summer season need.
The strike is anticipated to continue, possibly triggering more disturbances in flight. Tourists are advised to remain upgraded on the scenario and think about alternative plans. The result of this labor conflict will have long lasting ramifications for labor relations in the airline company market and might set a precedent for future settlements.
