Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants will vote on strike action from July 28 to August 5, citing unresolved issues in contract negotiations.
Strike Vote to Begin Amid Unresolved Contract Issues
Over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will begin a strike vote on July 28, running through August 5, following a stalled bargaining process between their union and the airline.
Bargaining Stalls Despite Federal Mediation
The Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced the vote in an official update to members on July 25, after conciliation efforts with federal mediators ended without a deal. According to the union, “key issues remain unresolved,” including pay, unpaid work, per diems, pension contributions, work rules, and prone rest.
Background to the Impasse
The union had initially filed for conciliation in May 2025, triggering a formal mediation period under Canada’s labour laws. The move signaled growing frustration over stalled negotiations, which had been ongoing for several months. With no tentative agreement reached during the conciliation process, CUPE’s bargaining team is now turning to members for a strike mandate.
Potential Impacts on Air Travel
While a strike has not been called, the vote represents a critical escalation that could impact operations at one of Canada’s largest airlines if no agreement is reached in the coming weeks. Air Canada has not yet publicly responded to the strike vote announcement, but travellers could face service disruptions if tensions escalate.
What Comes Next
If a majority votes in favour, CUPE would be in a position to legally strike after a 21-day cooling-off period, unless an agreement is reached or the government intervenes. The union says it remains committed to bargaining but emphasizes that the issues on the table are essential for improving flight attendants’ working conditions.
Industry Context
The strike vote comes amid growing labour activism in Canada’s airline sector, with workers pushing back against stagnating wages and rising workloads post-pandemic. The outcome of the vote may set the tone for future labour negotiations in the industry.
Maple News Wire will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
