Montreal: Air Canada is facing one of its most disruptive labor disputes in years as more than 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), prepare to go on strike early Saturday after contract talks collapsed. The strike deadline is set for 12:58 a.m. ET on August 16, with the airline warning it will lock out employees at the same time if no deal is reached.
The core issues include pay for unpaid ground and boarding duties, wage increases that reflect inflation, and better overall working conditions. Union leaders argue that Air Canada’s current offer falls short, leaving flight attendants earning less than minimum wage when accounting for uncompensated hours. CUPE has also rejected binding arbitration, insisting on a negotiated settlement.
The looming strike has already thrown the travel schedules of tens of thousands into chaos. By late Friday, Air Canada had canceled hundreds of flights across the country, with estimates ranging from 300 to 500 cancellations. In Vancouver alone, nearly 300 flights were scrapped, affecting more than 55,000 passengers. Overall, at least 100,000 travelers have been impacted so far, and disruptions are expected to worsen if a full-scale strike begins.
The Canadian government has intervened, with Labour Minister Patty Hajdu urging both sides to remain at the bargaining table. While she stressed that negotiated agreements produce the best results, she also hinted at the possibility of arbitration if talks remain stalled. The government has not ruled out further action to minimize the economic fallout.
Air Canada, along with its subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, carries about 130,000 passengers daily. A prolonged strike would severely affect Canada’s tourism sector and summer travel at its busiest period, creating ripple effects across international routes as well.
As the deadline approaches, travelers are being urged to check flight statuses frequently, explore rebooking options, or seek refunds. Without a last-minute breakthrough, the strike could cause one of the largest air travel shutdowns in Canada in recent years.