Air Canada and flight attendants reach tentative deal; passengers warned full service will take a week
reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday(August 19) with the union representing its flight attendants, ending a three-day strike that had disrupted air travel nationwide and stranded nearly half a million passengers. The airline said it will begin ramping up operations immediately, though full service is expected to take more than a week to restore.
Talks continued through the night with a federal mediator, culminating in an agreement around 4:30 am. ET, according to statements from both Air
Canada
and the
Canadian Union of Public Employees
(
CUPE
). The deal covers more than 10,000 flight attendants and will be put to a ratification vote in the coming weeks.
The strike began Saturday morning, grounding Air Canada's mainline fleet and forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights. While the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) declared the job action unlawful under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and ordered attendants back to work on Sunday, union officials initially defied the ruling. CUPE leaders argued that the law violated workers' Charter rights, calling the government's intervention heavy-handed.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
After 51 Cruises, A Retired Couple's Laundry Stains Caught The Staff
Daily Sport X
Undo
By Monday evening, however, both sides had returned to the bargaining table, setting the stage for a breakthrough after 72 hours of escalating tension.
Union secures key concessions
Live Events
At the heart of the dispute was what attendants described as 'unpaid work': time spent boarding passengers, performing safety checks, and waiting on tarmacs before takeoff. The union confirmed the tentative agreement eliminates that practice, which it described as 'transformational change' for the industry.
In a message to members, CUPE said on its website, 'Your right to vote on your wages was preserved. Unpaid work is over.' The union framed the outcome as both a labor and constitutional victory, claiming it demonstrated that Section 107 can no longer be wielded by employers to bypass fair bargaining.
Airline begins recovery phase
Air Canada said it operated its first mainline departures around 4 pm. ET Tuesday and planned to complete about 53 percent of scheduled flights by day's end, focusing on international outbound routes. Domestic and North American services are expected to ramp up 'in earnest' on Wednesday.
The airline estimated more than 500,000 passengers were affected during the stoppage. To manage the backlog, it has expanded its customer support operation to 5,000 employees and broadened rebooking policies.
Travelers can request refunds, apply credits, or be rebooked on up to 120 partner or competitor airlines. Air Canada has also extended its rebooking window to seven days, more than double its standard policy.
What's next
Air Canada faces the dual challenge of repairing strained customer trust and navigating a critical ratification vote. CUPE leaders urged members to endorse the deal, but final approval is not guaranteed until ballots are counted.
Only those with confirmed bookings on operating flights should go to the airport, as cancellations will persist during the recovery period.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is Target in trouble? TGT stock falls after CEO Brian Cornell steps down amid sales struggles, COO Michael Fiddelke takes charge
TGT stock : Target's CEO Brian Cornel l will be stepping down from his position on February 1 next year as the Minneapolis-based chain struggles with low sales, messy and understocked stores, and eroding customer loyalty in a post-pandemic marketplace, as per a report. Target COO Michael Fiddelke Tapped as New CEO The 66-year-old Cornell will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke , a 20-year company veteran who has helped drive some of Target's most significant operational decisions, including overhauling its supply chain and building out digital services while cutting costs, as per an AP report. The firm had announced in May that Fiddelke would lead a new office focused on faster decision-making to help accelerate sales growth, as reported by AP. Meanwhile, Brian will transition to the role of executive chair of the Board of Directors, as per Target's website. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo ALSO READ: Billionaire Taylor Swift offered jaw-dropping Vegas residency — bigger than Celine Dion or Elvis, report claims Michael Fiddelke Plans Rapid Changes to Revive Target's Retail Edge Fiddelke said that he will be stepping into the role with urgency, with three priorities, which include reclaiming the company's merchandising authority, improving the shopping experience by making sure shelves are consistently stocked and stores are clean, and investing in technology at the company's stores and in its supply network, as reported by AP. Live Events He said, 'When we're leading with swagger in our merchandising authority, when we have swagger in our marketing, and we're setting the trend for retail, those are some of the moments I think that Target has been at its highest in my 20 years,' as quoted in the report. ASLO READ: Morgan Stanley: AI boom could add $16 trillion to markets, but workers may pay the price as 90% jobs may be impacted Target's Weak Quarterly Results Spark Market Reaction Target also reported another quarter of sluggish results on Wednesday, with a 21% decline in net income in the quarter ended August 2, according to the AP report. Even the firm's sales were down, with a 1.9% dip in comparable sales from established physical stores and online channels, as per the report. The shares of Target have fallen about 60% from its all-time high in late 2021, as per the report. While Target stocks fell about 10% in premarket trading following the results and CEO announcement, reported CNBC. ALSO READ: Apple just dropped 2 free iPhone apps with iOS 26, and users can't stop talking about them Store Traffic and Customer Loyalty on the Decline According to CNBC, Target's yearly sales have been almost stagnant for the past four years, and its inconsistent performance has tested the loyalty of shoppers and also shaken the confidence of Wall Street. Analytics firm found that the store traffic at the retailer has dropped nearly every week since late January, as reported by CNBC. Target Reiterates Lowered Full-Year Forecast The retailer also reiterated its full-year forecast, which it had cut in May, as per the report. Target also said that it expects a low single-digit percentage decline in sales and adjusted earnings per share, excluding gains from litigation settlements, to be about $7 to $9, as reported by CNBC. FAQs Why is Brian Cornell stepping down now? Cornell is stepping down amid falling sales, operational issues, and waning customer loyalty. He's transitioning to the role of executive chair. Who is replacing Brian Cornell? Target's COO Michael Fiddelke will step in as CEO on February 1, 2026.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
America we are BACK! What's up TikTok? - White House goes live with Donald Trump on TikTok
White House launched an official TikTok account on Tuesday, taking advantage of the short video app's more than 170 million U.S. users to spread the messages of President Donald Trump . Trump has a soft spot for the popular app, crediting it with helping him gain support among young voters when he defeated Democrat Kamala Harris in the November 2024 presidential election. Lawmakers in Washington worry, however, that its U.S. user data could fall into the hands of China's government. Trump has been working on a deal for U.S. investors to buy the app from TikTok's Chinese parent, ByteDance. Past intelligence assessments have said the app's owners are beholden to the Chinese government and that it could be used to influence Americans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Public Speaking Course for Children Planet Spark Book Now Undo The new account, @whitehouse, went live on Tuesday evening with an initial video showing footage of Trump as he declares: "I am your voice." "America we are BACK! What's up TikTok?" the caption read. The TikTok account Trump used for his presidential campaign last year, @realdonaldtrump, has more than 15 million followers. The Republican president also relies heavily on his Truth Social account to deliver his message and posts occasionally on his X account. Live Events "The Trump administration is committed to communicating the historic successes President Trump has delivered to the American people with as many audiences and platforms as possible," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "President Trump's message dominated TikTok during his presidential campaign, and we're excited to build upon those successes and communicate in a way no other administration has before," she said. TikTok Ban in USA A 2024 law required TikTok to stop operating by January 19 of this year unless ByteDance had completed divesting the app's U.S. assets or demonstrated significant progress toward a sale. President Trump opted not to enforce the law after he began his second term as president on January 20. He first extended the deadline to early April, then to June 19 and then again to September 17. Extensions to the deadline have drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue the Trump administration is flouting the law and ignoring national security concerns related to Chinese control over TikTok. FAQs Q1. What do we know about TikTok ban in USA? A1. A 2024 law required TikTok to stop operating by January 19 of this year unless ByteDance had completed divesting the app's U.S. assets or demonstrated significant progress toward a sale. President Trump opted not to enforce the law after he began his second term as president on January 20. He first extended the deadline to early April, then to June 19 and then again to September 17. Q2. Who is President of USA? A2. President of USA is Donald Trump.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
RBI Governor says growth resilient considering uncertain environment, which shows no signs of abatement: MPC Minutes
The Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the global economy continues to traverse a period of heightened uncertainty on account of trade and tariff negotiations and lingering geopolitical tensions . However, he added that the global growth has improved owing to front loading of exports in anticipation of tariffs, easing of financial conditions and fiscal expansion in advanced economies (AEs). "The pace of disinflation, however, has slowed down and inflation continues to remain above the target in most AEs," Malhotra said. The governor said that the domestic economy has grown largely in line with assessment set out in the June policy. He said that the growth projected at 6.5 per cent is resilient, considering the current uncertain environment which shows no signs of abatement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More He added that this is lower than what the nation can achieve. "High-frequency indicators point toward buoyant rural economic activity and consumption, whereas urban spending continues to remain sluggish. During the remaining part of the financial year, growth is likely to receive support from both favourable supply-side factors as well as a supportive policy environment," Malhotra said. The RBI decided not to make any changes in to the repo rate and kept it at 5.50 per cent following the meeting from August 4-6, after having cut rate consecutively previously. Live Events Satisfactory Monsoon Malhotra said that the southwest monsoon has progressed well and that sowing has been satisfactory, and reservoir levels are comfortable, paving way for positive farm outlook and urban development. He added that the urban demand is likely to witness a boost during the festive season, especially in a period of benign inflation. "Services sector activity is also likely to remain strong, as evident from forward-looking assessments from surveys. Uncertainty in external demand, driven by tariff and geopolitical uncertainty, remains the major drag on growth as it also hinders private investment intentions, which is yet to show visible signs of improvement," Malhotra said. Inflation in check Malhotra said inflation has continued its downward trajectory, with headline CPI inflation in June at 2.1 per cent - a 77-month low. In July, retail inflation fell to an eight-year low of 1.55%, below the central bank's 2-6% target range, driven largely by a drop in food prices. It also marked the sixth straight month of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation staying below 4%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is mandated to keep inflation at 4% within the range. The decline in inflation was primarily driven by the food component, which registered a year-on-year contraction of -0.2 per cent in June. "The extent of moderation in food inflation turned out to be larger than that expected during the June MPC meeting, as supply-side conditions turned out to be much more favourable," the governor said. "Although we are likely to see inflation undershooting the target in the near term, with a likelihood of monthly numbers even crossing the lower tolerance band of 2 per cent, headline inflation is projected to inch up from Q3 onwards. The uncertainties of tariffs are still evolving. Monetary policy transmission of the cumulative 100 basis points cut in the policy rate since February 2025, though hastened due to various measures, is still continuing. The CRR cut, that is likely to kick in from next month, will also facilitate further monetary transmission and stimulate economic activity," he added. The big picture Giving an over all picture of the economy, Malhotra said it paints a picture of strength, stability, and opportunity. "India's strong fundamentals, growth inducing policies, and forward-looking economic strategy clearly place it in a strong position. While growth has remained steady, inflation outcomes have been far more benign on account of higher food price moderation," he said. He said that the monetary policy needs to remain watchful considering the state of uncertainty on the external front, which is why the repo rate was kept unchanged at 5.50 per cent. "I also support retaining the neutral stance as it would provide monetary policy the necessary flexibility to respond to the evolving domestic and global economic conditions," Malhotra said.
