Saskatchewan travellers face possible weekend flight chaos as Air Canada and CUPE near strike deadline, with over 500 cancellations expected.
Saskatchewan Residents Face Uncertain Travel Plans
Air Canada passengers in Saskatchewan are bracing for major disruptions as the airline and its flight attendants’ union approach a Saturday strike or lockout deadline. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, issued a 72-hour strike notice Wednesday. Air Canada responded with its own lockout notice, prompting early cancellations beginning Thursday.
Federal Mediation Efforts Underway
To avoid a shutdown, Air Canada has asked Ottawa to send both sides to binding arbitration under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has given CUPE until Friday at 12 p.m. ET to respond. Without an agreement, flights nationwide could halt by Saturday morning.
Local Airports Prepare for Major Impact
At Regina International Airport—where Air Canada accounts for about 35% of departures—CEO James Bogusz warns of “significant cancellations” affecting daily routes to Toronto and Vancouver. He advises travellers to verify flight status before leaving home and ensure the airline has up-to-date contact details for alerts.
Passengers Share Concerns
Saskatoon resident Tammy Lazar, returning from Zimbabwe, fears missing her Toronto–Saskatoon connection if flights are cancelled. Allan McPherson, departing for Ontario, is worried about his return journey, while Halley Hall-Smith is anxious about her 12-year-old son’s first solo trip to Montreal. Others, like Amber Clark, express concern about work travel plans booked months in advance.
Dispute Centres on Pay for Ground Duties
The union says wages have not kept pace with inflation and that flight attendants are unpaid for pre-flight and post-landing duties. Air Canada has offered to pay 50% of the hourly rate for this time; CUPE is demanding 100%. Similar concerns have been raised by flight attendants at other carriers, prompting calls for Labour Code reforms—though recent legislative attempts failed before prorogation.
Airline Offers Flexible Rebooking
Air Canada is allowing passengers with tickets booked for August 15–18 (purchased before August 13) to change flights free of charge for travel between August 21 and September 12. The airline says it will attempt to rebook cancelled passengers on the earliest available flight, using more than 120 partner carriers.
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