Air Canada Strike Shuts Down Flights
The Air Canada strike has officially begun, and it’s already causing major travel headaches. After months of negotiations, flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), walked off the job early Saturday. The walkout comes as attendants push for stronger pay protections, while travelers face mounting disruptions.
With this move, Canada’s largest airline has suspended all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, stranding passengers across the country. Regional flights under Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, continue to run, but the majority of the network has ground to a halt.
How Many Flights Are Affected?
Air Canada confirmed that it had already canceled 294 flights by midday Friday and expected to cancel around 500 more before the official strike deadline. The work stoppage is now impacting approximately 130,000 travelers daily, making this one of the most disruptive airline strikes in recent Canadian history.
Passengers were urged not to head to the airport without confirmed rebookings. Instead, Air Canada promised to reach out by email or text with updates and encouraged customers to request full refunds through its website or mobile app.
Why Flight Attendants Walked Out
The strike follows eight months of tense talks between CUPE and Air Canada. The union submitted a revised wage proposal on August 11, highlighting long-standing frustrations over pay. According to CUPE, entry-level flight attendants have only seen wages increase by about $3 an hour in the past 25 years—roughly 10 percent.
Union leaders also argue attendants are not compensated for large portions of their workday, including critical safety checks, handling in-flight emergencies, and assisting passengers with boarding. These unpaid responsibilities, they say, create unfair conditions for a workforce that shoulders heavy safety duties.
Air Canada’s Offer and Union’s Response
Air Canada said its latest proposal included a 38 percent compensation boost over four years, factoring in benefits and pensions. In the first year, the airline offered an 8 percent raise. But CUPE rejected the deal, saying it failed to account for inflation and did not address core concerns about unpaid time.
The union stressed that it preferred to keep negotiating rather than accept an offer members would likely oppose. This stance followed a July vote in which an overwhelming 99.7 percent of members backed the option to strike.
Government Calls for Continued Talks
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. She emphasized that securing an agreement is “critical” for travelers, workers, and the aviation sector. However, the strike—and Air Canada’s lockout notice delivered earlier this week—signals that a quick resolution may not come easily.
What Passengers Should Know
If your flight has been canceled, don’t head to the airport without confirmation. Instead, wait for Air Canada’s direct communication and use official channels for rebooking or refunds. With thousands of cancellations expected, travelers will need patience as the strike continues to unfold.
The Air Canada strike underscores deep tensions over fair wages and working conditions, while grounding flights nationwide. Travelers should brace for delays until both sides return to serious talks.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on travel and aviation news.
