What a Possible Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Could Mean for Travellers

A potential strike by Air Canada flight attendants is raising concerns for travellers across Canada, with over 1,100 flights per day potentially affected. Although no official strike has been declared, the union representing flight attendants is currently holding a vote to authorize strike action. Here’s what you need to know if you’re flying with Air Canada in the coming weeks.

Why Is a Strike Being Considered?

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 flight attendants from Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, is pushing for:

• Higher wages after a 10-year agreement that failed to match inflation.
• Compensation for unpaid work done during boarding, deplaning, and safety checks.
• Improved pension contributions and overall working conditions.

According to CUPE, wages have only increased by $3 per hour since 2000, while inflation has jumped 169%. The union also says many attendants are forced to take on second or third jobs.

The strike vote runs until August 5, with a strike possible as early as August 16 if a deal isn’t reached. Despite this, both sides are expected to return to the negotiating table soon.

What Would a Strike Disrupt?

Air Canada operates:

• 500+ domestic flights daily
• 430 flights to the U.S.
• 170+ international flights

A strike could disrupt thousands of travel plans, especially during peak vacation season. Travel industry experts warn of chaotic delays, cancelled flights, and limited rebooking options if the walkout proceeds.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Be proactive, travel experts advise. Here are key steps:

• Book flexible or refundable tickets: It may cost more upfront but gives you options.
• Have a backup plan: Consider reserving a flight on another airline or a refundable hotel stay.
• Monitor your travel insurance: Not all policies cover labour strikes, especially if the risk is already publicized.
• Jump on free rebooking offers: If Air Canada notifies you of potential changes, act quickly to switch flights without fees.

Jennifer Weatherhead, a Toronto-based travel expert, emphasized flexibility: “Try to book something that you could cancel. That way, if the strike doesn’t happen, you’re not stuck.”

Should You Cancel or Wait?

Gabor Lukacs of Air Passenger Rights advises not to cancel preemptively. Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR):

• If Air Canada cancels your flight, they must rebook or refund you.
• If you cancel, you’re at the airline’s mercy and may not get reimbursed.
• Once a strike officially begins, no lump-sum compensation is owed, but meals and accommodations must be covered for controllable delays.
• If your delay is longer than three hours, you may still be eligible for assistance under international rules like the Montreal Convention.

Are Other Airlines Ready?

Flair Airlines says it is actively monitoring demand. Other carriers like WestJet, Porter, and Air Transat haven’t confirmed how they plan to respond. Experts say travellers will have options, but expect high prices and limited availability during the peak period.

What’s Next?

CUPE expects a strong strike mandate. But union president Wesley Lesosky remains hopeful a deal can be reached. “Nobody wants to strike,” he said, stressing that unresolved issues like wages, unpaid work, and pensions still need urgent attention.

Air Canada says it is committed to negotiating a fair and competitive agreement while maintaining its growth.

Would you be willing to pay more for refundable flights to protect your travel plans amid strike risks?

More…

• https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/what-a-possible-air-canada-flight-attendant-strike-could-mean-for-travellers
• https://globalnews.ca/news/11308964/air-canada-flight-attendants-strike-vote-what-to-know
• https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/toronto-montreal-vancouver-and-calgary-airports-at-the-center-of-a-potential-strike-by-thousands-of-air-canada-cabin-crew-how-it-could-disrupt-the-surging-tourism-sector-in-canada