Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike Begins, 500 Flights Canceled

BREAKING: Air Canada flight attendants officially launched their strike today, following a breakdown in negotiations with the airline, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirmed early Saturday. The strike has already resulted in a staggering 294 flight cancellations as of 12 p.m. ET Friday, with Air Canada anticipating another 500 cancellations leading up to the work stoppage.

The impact of this strike is profound, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily. All Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights have been suspended, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives. However, regional flights operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines remain unaffected. In a statement, Air Canada warned passengers, “If your flight is canceled, don’t go to the airport without a confirmed new booking.”

Passengers whose flights are affected will receive notifications via email or text and can request a full refund through the airline’s website or mobile app.

This strike follows months of tense negotiations, during which the Air Canada Component of CUPE submitted a revised wage proposal on August 11. Flight attendants have reported that their wages have only increased by 10 percent (equivalent to an additional $3 per hour) over the past 25 years. The union highlighted that workers are not compensated for many critical job functions, including essential safety checks and assisting passengers during emergencies.

On Wednesday, the union issued a 72-hour strike notice, prompting Air Canada to respond with a lockout notification to prevent attendants from working on Saturday. The airline claimed its latest offer included a 38 percent increase in total compensation, including benefits over four years. However, the union rejected this proposal, arguing that it did not adequately address inflation concerns related to the proposed 8 percent increase in the first year.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed her urgent call for a resolution, stating it is “critical” for both parties to resume negotiations. Earlier this month, an overwhelming 99.7 percent of union members voted in favor of the strike action, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current wage structures and working conditions.

As the strike unfolds, passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and explore other travel options. With Air Canada being the largest airline in the country, the ramifications of this labor dispute extend far beyond the immediate cancellations, potentially affecting travel plans across North America and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.