Air Canada Operations Grounded as Union Strike Continues

URGENT UPDATE: Air Canada operations will remain suspended as a strike by flight attendants intensifies, despite federal government intervention for binding arbitration. The airline announced late Saturday that cancellations will extend through Sunday afternoon, impacting approximately 130,000 travelers daily across major Canadian airports, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.

In a press conference earlier today, federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu confirmed that she has directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene in the standoff. “The impact of the work stoppage at Air Canada is already being felt by travelers,” she stated, highlighting significant disruptions in air cargo, including critical pharmaceuticals.

The strike, which began at 12:58 a.m. ET on August 11, 2025, follows failed negotiations between Air Canada and the CUPE, the union representing flight attendants. The union has expressed concerns over the perceived conflict of interest surrounding CIRB chair Maryse Tremblay, appointed by the Liberal government. “We believe there is collusion between Air Canada and the Liberal government throughout this process,” CUPE officials stated.

Flight attendants plan to demonstrate at major airports across Canada on Sunday, demanding fair pay and working conditions. CUPE President Wesley Lesosky emphasized the union’s desire to return to flying rather than picketing, stating, “No one should accept being forced to work for free or for poverty wages.”

According to CUPE, entry-level flight attendants have seen only a 10 percent wage increase over the past 25 years, while 88 percent of surveyed Canadians believe flight attendants should be paid for all work-related duties. The union’s wage proposal was rejected earlier this week after months of negotiation, with Air Canada offering a 38 percent increase in total compensation over four years, which CUPE claims does not adequately address inflation.

Hajdu’s arbitration order extends the existing collective agreement while the dispute continues, but the union argues this undermines their right to take job action. “This is a blatant misuse of the Labour Code,” said NDP Leader Don Davies.

As the situation develops, Air Canada advises customers not to travel to airports unless they have confirmed bookings. The airline has already canceled around 500 flights in anticipation of the strike. Passengers impacted by flight cancellations can seek refunds through Air Canada’s website or mobile app.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as thousands of Canadians remain stranded abroad, facing mounting uncertainties in a challenging economic landscape. The next steps in this unfolding crisis will depend heavily on the CIRB’s decision and ongoing negotiations between Air Canada and the union.

Stay tuned for more updates as this critical situation evolves.