Air Canada Strike Causes Passenger Frustration at Pearson Airport

Passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport are facing significant disruptions as a strike by Air Canada’s flight attendants continues, defying a federal back-to-work order. The situation has led to mounting frustration among travelers who are stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.

Many passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction. Veronica McGinn, a frequent flyer from Fredericton, New Brunswick, shared her ordeal, stating, “I’m sitting here at my own expense — this is my fourth night (stuck).” McGinn, who has flown with Air Canada for over 40 years, feels a sense of betrayal, despite her support for the striking workers. She has been trying to reach Edmonton for the National Lawn Bowling Tournament since last Friday, but Air Canada has only been able to move her to a departure scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“I wanted to get out to Edmonton with my team. They made it. I didn’t,” McGinn lamented. With travel expenses piling up, she estimates being out several thousand dollars due to the disruption and is considering alternative ways to return home.

Travelers from abroad have also been caught in the turmoil. Italian insurance lawyer Federica Fattory was on a journey across Canada with her husband when their plans were derailed by the strike. “It’s terrible because we lost the rest of our journey,” she explained. Fattory and her husband had already visited cities such as Montreal and Ottawa but were forced to remain in Toronto for four days due to the ongoing dispute.

Having booked additional flights with Air Transat at a significantly higher price, Fattory expressed her frustration over the situation. “The right to strike is a right (but) don’t violate other rights,” she emphasized, noting the extensive damage inflicted on travelers and the airline’s future. She and her husband spent approximately €2,000 each for their new flights from Toronto to Rome.

The strike, involving around 10,000 flight attendants, has been deemed illegal by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Labour Code, directing the CIRB to compel the union leadership to resume operations and submit to binding arbitration. The union has challenged this order in Federal Court, indicating that the strike may continue despite governmental intervention.

The impacts of this ongoing strike extend beyond individual passengers. The situation raises broader questions about labor rights and corporate responsibilities in the travel industry, particularly as travelers face unexpected expenses and delays. As the dispute unfolds, many are left hoping for a swift resolution to restore normal operations at one of the world’s busiest airports.