Potential Air Canada Strike Raises Travel Concerns
A potential Air Canada strike could disrupt thousands of travellers next month, sparking concerns over cancelled or delayed flights. With the airline’s flight attendants currently voting on a strike mandate, passengers are being urged to prepare early and stay informed as the situation unfolds.
The vote, running through August 5, follows failed contract negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents over 10,000 flight attendants. If a deal isn’t reached, a strike could begin as soon as August 16.
Be Proactive and Plan Ahead
According to travel expert Jennifer Weatherhead, flexibility is key. “My biggest tip for travellers is to be as proactive as possible,” she said during an interview with CTVNews.ca.
Her advice? Book refundable tickets, rental cars, and hotels just in case things change. That way, if the strike is called off, you can cancel your backup plans without losing money.
“Try to book something you can cancel at the last minute,” she said. “It offers peace of mind, especially during unpredictable situations like this.”
Timing and Insurance Matter
If you’re considering a trip, Weatherhead suggests checking travel insurance to see if labor disputes are covered. She also recommends moving your trip to an earlier or later date if that’s an option.
Sometimes, airlines alert customers in advance of a disruption and offer flight changes without penalties. “Jump on those offers quickly,” she said. “It gives you better choices and avoids last-minute chaos.”
And while refundable fares cost more upfront, they offer important flexibility. Non-refundable tickets often include restrictions on seat selection, baggage, and flight changes.
Strike Not Guaranteed, But Still Serious
Despite the looming threat, the union has stressed that a strike is a “last resort.” Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada component of CUPE, said the goal remains a fair agreement.
“We don’t want to strike,” Lesosky said in a Friday interview. “But there are major issues we need to resolve.”
Those issues include wages, pensions, and compensation for unpaid work. Currently, flight attendants don’t get paid for time spent boarding, deplaning, or assisting passengers on the ground—even though those tasks are essential to safety.
Flight Disruptions: What You Need to Know
If your flight gets cancelled, don’t panic—know your rights. Gabor Lukacs, head of Air Passenger Rights, says travellers shouldn’t jump to change plans unless absolutely necessary.
“Wait for the airline to cancel the flight,” Lukacs advised. “If you cancel first, you lose protection under Canadian rules.”
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines must provide meals, hotel accommodations, and compensation of up to $1,000 for cancellations they control. But if a strike officially begins, those rules change. Lump-sum compensation no longer applies, though international travellers may seek reimbursement under the Montreal Convention.
What the Flight Attendants Want
Since 2000, entry-level wages for flight attendants have increased just $3 per hour—about 10%—while inflation has jumped over 160%. CUPE is calling for pay during all working hours, not just when the plane is in motion.
“Our members are unpaid while doing critical safety duties,” Lesosky said. “Some even need second or third jobs to survive.”
Air Canada responded with a statement noting that the vote doesn’t mean disruption is inevitable. The airline says it remains committed to reaching an agreement that values flight attendants and supports company growth.
Final Word: Hopeful, But Cautious
Negotiations are set to resume shortly after the strike vote concludes. Both sides express hope for a deal, but travellers should still brace for the unknown.
With major travel weeks ahead, being flexible, informed, and insured could make all the difference. Whether the strike happens or not, a little planning now could save a lot of stress later.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on travel, strikes, and more.
