Flight Attendants Push Toward Possible Strike
Air Canada flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, intensifying pressure on the airline to settle a new contract. Represented by the Air Canada Component of CUPE, more than 10,000 attendants backed the move, with 99.7% supporting a strike if negotiations fail.
The vote comes after months of talks without agreement on key issues such as wages, work rules, and unpaid hours. The union says it could issue a 72-hour strike notice as early as August 16 if no deal is reached.
Union Says Patience Has Run Out
“The company would rather drag their feet than negotiate on the things that matter,” said CUPE division president Wesley Lesosky. He emphasized that members have made it clear it’s time for serious bargaining.
The union, representing attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, has been negotiating since the previous 10-year contract expired in March. Talks stalled in May, prompting CUPE to file for conciliation with the federal labour minister.
Air Canada Responds
Air Canada acknowledged the strike vote, calling it a “normal step in the negotiation process.” The airline said it remains committed to bargaining and believes there is enough time to avoid disruption for “hundreds of thousands of travellers.”
Wages and Unpaid Work at the Core
While CUPE has not disclosed all its demands, it says wages have lagged behind inflation. Entry-level attendants earned $25.13 per hour a decade ago and now start at $30.02 — a modest increase given rising living costs.
The union also points to unpaid duties, including safety checks, boarding, deplaning, and pre-flight preparation. “They’re exploiting employees by underpaying or refusing to pay for safety-critical aspects of our jobs,” said Lesosky.
Airline Profits Add Fuel to the Dispute
CUPE notes that Air Canada earned $22 billion in operating revenue and $1.7 billion in net income in 2024. The union argues the airline can afford fair pay without raising fares. Air Canada has stated its compensation model aligns with global industry standards.
What’s Next
If no agreement is reached soon, a strike could disrupt travel during one of the busiest periods of the year. Both sides say they are willing to return to the table, but the clock is ticking toward a possible August 16 notice.
Air Canada now faces a critical choice: resolve wage and work-rule disputes or risk major travel disruptions.
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