Air Canada Flight Attendants Could Strike Next Week: What Ontario Travelers Need to Know
Air Canada flight attendants are preparing for potential strike action as early as August 16, 2025, after voting overwhelmingly to approve a strike mandate. Over 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) could walk off the job if an agreement isn’t reached by then. Here’s what Ontario travelers need to know:
When Could the Strike Happen?
The union announced that, if negotiations fail, the earliest a strike could occur is 12:01 a.m. ET on August 16. CUPE must provide 72 hours’ notice of strike action, so the notice could be issued as early as August 13. The union will resume bargaining with Air Canada from August 8 to 15, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement to avoid disruption.
Key Issues in Negotiations
The main points of contention include wages, work rules, and unpaid hours. CUPE argues that many duties performed by flight attendants, such as safety checks and assisting passengers before and after flights, are currently unpaid under the existing pay structure.
Air Canada has offered a 30% wage increase over four years, but CUPE disputes that this offer has been formally presented. Both sides will continue negotiating through August 15 to reach a resolution.
Could Your Flight Be Affected?
At this point, Air Canada does not anticipate canceling flights or making any adjustments unless a strike is officially called. However, passengers are advised not to cancel flights just yet, as any cancellations would limit compensation options. John Gradek, an expert in aviation management, recommends waiting to see if a strike happens. If a strike does occur, Air Canada is legally required to provide alternate travel arrangements for passengers.
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CUPE’s National Action and Mobilization
In the meantime, CUPE will organize mobilizations at major airports including Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary starting August 11, to raise awareness of the essential role flight attendants play in air travel safety and efficiency. While this action isn’t yet a strike, it could be a sign of escalating tensions as negotiations continue.
What Should Travelers Do?
If your flight is scheduled for the week of August 16, make sure to stay updated on possible strike news. If there is a strike, Air Canada will need to offer alternate flights, and you may be eligible for compensation. However, Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, suggests not accepting refunds right away. Doing so might stop Air Canada from providing alternate travel arrangements.
Watch for updates from Air Canada and CUPE in the next few days to see if a strike will happen.
More…
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- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/air-canada-strike-explainer-1.7604687
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/air-canada-flight-attendants-will-organize-at-major-canadian-airports-to-protest-working-conditions
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/what-a-possible-air-canada-flight-attendant-strike-could-mean-for-travellers
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