Pic credit: Hindustan Times
Air Canada has suspended operations on its Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights after a strike by 10,000 flight attendants began early Saturday, causing chaos for thousands of travelers worldwide. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the flight attendants, initiated the walkout after contract negotiations over wages and pay for on-ground work reached an impasse.
The strike forced Air Canada to cancel hundreds of international flights, directly impacting approximately 130,000 passengers daily. Travelers were advised not to go to airports unless traveling on other airlines, as Air Canada significantly scaled back its operations with a phased wind-down starting before the strike. Flights operated by Air Canada Express and Air Canada Jazz, run by third parties, are not affected.
Flight attendants are demanding fair compensation for time spent working on the ground during boarding, deplaning, and waiting periods—hours that currently go unpaid. Despite a proposed contract from the airline offering a 38% pay raise over four years, including a 25% increase in the first year, the union rejected it as insufficient, citing concerns that it still undervalues their work and leaves ground duties uncompensated.
The strike marks the first work stoppage by Air Canada flight attendants since 1985. The union and airline remain at odds, with the Canadian government urging both parties to return to the bargaining table to avoid further disruption. The government has even proposed binding arbitration as a way to end the stalemate, but the union has refused, insisting on retaining its right to strike.
Travelers affected by canceled flights can request refunds or rebook flights without fees through Air Canada’s goodwill policy. However, rebooking options are limited by the high volume of cancellations and summer travel demand, leaving many passengers facing uncertainty.
The ongoing strike has ripple effects on international travel, especially across North America, complicating holiday travel plans for many. As talks continue behind the scenes, the airline and its workers confront a challenging standoff with serious consequences for travelers and Canada’s largest carrier.
