2 days ago
Air Canada strike chaos: Flight attendants defy tribunal, risk jail, and leave 500,000 passengers stranded worldwide
Air Canada's cabin crew have extended their strike into a fourth day, ignoring a federal labour board order to return to work. The decision has left around 500,000 passengers stranded worldwide and created a three-way standoff between the airline, workers, and the government.
Union defies tribunal order
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 10,000 flight attendants, announced it would continue strike action until the airline addresses long-standing demands for wage increases and pay for unpaid ground duties, such as boarding. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) earlier declared the strike unlawful, but CUPE has said members are prepared to face fines or jail. Union president Mark Hancock said, 'If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it.'
Ongoing talks and mediation pressure
CUPE confirmed it met with Air Canada representatives and mediator William Kaplan in Toronto, though the strike continues. A government source suggested mediation might only move forward if crews first return to work. Employment Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to engage in mediation and also promised an investigation into allegations of unpaid ground work, a core issue for flight attendants.
This is HUGE:The Air Canada CEO just admitted on TV that he had no plan except for his SECRET BACKROOM DEAL WITH CARNEY to bust the strike using Section 107He and Carney assumed workers would roll overThey assumed wrong
Airline offer vs union demands
Air Canada CEO defended the airline's proposal of a 38% increase in total compensation, telling Reuters there is still 'a big gap' with union expectations. CUPE maintains the proposal would only raise base wages by 17.2% over four years. Last week, Air Canada detailed that by 2027, a senior flight attendant would earn about CAN$87,000 annually. The union has rejected the offer as inadequate.
Impact on passengers
The strike has severely disrupted travel during the peak summer season. Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, normally carries 130,000 passengers daily as part of the Star Alliance network. Retiree Klaus Hickman, who rebooked on another airline after missing a flight, said he sympathised with the workers but worried about reaching Germany on time for health reasons. Others, like James Numfor from Regina, have been stranded in airports. Numfor, returning from Cameroon for a family funeral, said his family has been sleeping in Toronto's airport after the airline covered just one night in a hotel.
Wider labour reactions
Other unions have rallied behind CUPE. The Canadian Labour Congress, representing 3 million workers, said it is prepared to offer legal and financial support. 'All cards are on the table in terms of what unions are prepared to do,' said president Bea Bruske. The Air Line Pilots' Association also voiced solidarity, encouraging pilots to join picket lines in their free time.
Government response
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the breakdown in negotiations as 'disappointing,' noting that eight months of talks had failed to resolve key issues. He acknowledged the vital role of flight attendants but pointed to the uncertainty facing hundreds of thousands of travelers. The government has limited options, including court enforcement of the tribunal's order or passing back-to-work legislation when Parliament resumes on September 15.
Flight attendants on the line in Winnipeg. They have been joined by Westjet work has got to go!#aircanadastrike #UnpaidWorkWontFly
Employers' concerns
The strike has also drawn criticism from employer groups. Daniel Safayeni, president of Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (Fetco), said defying the order undermines the country's labour system. 'That is not labour relations, it's a reckless path that erodes trust in the system, weakens our global reputation, and undermines economic stability,' he said.
Standoff continues
With mediation uncertain, government pressure increasing, and unions refusing to back down, Air Canada's labour dispute has become a test case for organized labour in the country. For now, passengers remain stranded, and the strike continues without resolution.
