Aviation giant Air Canada begins cancelling flights in anticipation of a potential work disruption, potentially affecting a massive number of travelers.
Air Canada is facing a significant disruption as a strike by its flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), entered its third day. The union, which represents around 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, has issued a 72-hour strike notice, citing concerns over "poverty wages" and unpaid labor when planes aren't in the air.
The strike has already caused chaos, with Air Canada expecting to cancel around 500 flights by the end of Friday. By Friday evening, over 100,000 customers' flights will have been cancelled, and the grounding will affect approximately 25,000 Canadians abroad who may become stranded.
The first set of cancellations involves several dozen long-haul overseas flights due to depart Thursday night. All flights will be paused by Saturday early morning, according to Mark Nasr, Air Canada's Chief Operations Officer.
Natasha Stea, representing flight attendants in Montreal, believes Air Canada is counting on government intervention. The union wants a fair and equitable contract, and prefers to negotiate a deal that its members can then vote on.
In response to the strike notice, Air Canada has issued a lockout notice. Customers whose flights are cancelled will be eligible for a full refund.
Air Canada's head of human resources, Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, has said they've hit an impasse but are still available for talks and consensual arbitration. The latest offer from Air Canada includes a 38% increase in total compensation, including benefits and pensions, over four years.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has asked the union to respond to Air Canada's request for arbitration and urged both sides to come to an agreement independently. The union, however, has rejected Air Canada's proposal to enter a binding arbitration process.
The potential work stoppage could impact approximately 130,000 people daily. Flight attendants held up signs at a news conference that read "Unpaid work won't fly" and "Poverty wages = UnCanadian."
Air Canada has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide alternative travel options. If a deal isn't reached, Air Canada may consider asking for government intervention due to "very serious disruptions."
Mediation led to a tentative agreement announced on August 19, which led to the gradual resumption of flights. However, as of now, the strike continues, with no immediate resolution in sight. The union's main concerns remain improving working conditions and job security for its members.
[1] Source: CBC News, "Air Canada flights grounded as flight attendants' union strike enters third day," August 18, 2025. [2] Source: CTV News, "Air Canada flights grounded as union strike enters third day," August 18, 2025. [3] Source: Global News, "Air Canada flights resume after tentative agreement reached with flight attendants union," August 19, 2025. [4] Source: The Globe and Mail, "Air Canada flights grounded as union strike enters third day," August 18, 2025.
