Air Canada and Flight Attendants Resume Talks Amid Ongoing Strike

Negotiations between Air Canada and the flight attendants’ union are back on as the airline reached out to resume discussions aimed at ending the ongoing strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirmed that both parties met for talks last night, raising hopes for a resolution.

In a recent announcement, Air Canada extended the cancellation of all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights until 16:00 ET today. The airline’s Chief Operating Officer emphasized that flight attendants must return to work before further negotiations can advance. This situation has led to significant disruptions, with Air Canada estimating that approximately 500,000 customers have had their flights canceled since the strike began.

Despite the ongoing discussions, CUPE has made it clear that the strike remains in effect until a negotiated settlement is reached. In an online update, the Air Canada component of CUPE reported that meetings resumed with the assistance of a mediator. Nevertheless, the union cautioned members that the strike is “still on” and that negotiations have only just commenced.

The federal government’s attempts to impose binding arbitration over the weekend have been met with resistance from the union. The Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled that the strike is unlawful, following the union’s defiance of an order to return to work on Sunday. Union leaders, including those from CUPE, have criticized the government’s use of Section 107 of the labour code, which they argue undermines workers’ rights to strike and forces them into arbitration.

One of the primary grievances of the flight attendants is the lack of compensation for duties performed before takeoff. This issue remains at the forefront of the negotiations as both sides work to find common ground.

As discussions continue, the impact on customers remains significant, with many facing uncertainty regarding their travel plans. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely monitored as both Air Canada and CUPE strive to reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of flight attendants while restoring service to affected passengers.

This report was first published on August 19, 2025, by The Canadian Press.