Airborne travel in Canada temporarily halted as authorities intervene to prevent ongoing worker strike, causing flight cancellations for numerous airlines
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Air Canada's operations came to a halt on August 16, 2025, as over 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), went on strike. The strike, which was supported by 99.7% of the union members, led to the suspension of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily.
The Canadian government, citing the potential for immediate and extensive harm to all Canadians, intervened by invoking a legal provision to halt the strike and force both parties into binding arbitration. However, CUPE defied the back-to-work order, asserting that it violated their right to strike.
The strike caused significant losses for Air Canada, estimated at $43 million per day, and resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Despite the disruptions, the airline's flights operated by Air Canada Express, which are run by a third party, were not affected.
On August 19, 2025, a tentative mediated agreement was reached under the oversight of an independent mediator, William Kaplan. This agreement led to the gradual resumption of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights with the return of flight attendants to work.
However, the strike continues, with CUPE seeking to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process. The union has rejected requests from the federal government and Air Canada to resolve outstanding issues through independent arbitration, describing Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value."
An average senior flight attendant, according to Air Canada's latest offer, would make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. The union, led by effective communication campaigns, has created a public perception of unfairness, according to Rafael Gomez from the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations.
The ongoing strike has added further pain to Canada's economy, which has already begun feeling the effects of US President Donald Trump's trade war, with his tariffs hitting crucial sectors like auto, aluminum, and steel. The Business Council of Canada has warned that the Air Canada work stoppage could add further strain to an already vulnerable economy.
The government's intervention could take five to 10 days for Air Canada to resume regular services after the disruption. Air Canada had earlier urged customers not to go to the airport if they had a ticket for Air Canada or its lower-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge.
As the strike continues, both Air Canada and CUPE will need to find a resolution that addresses the union's concerns and allows for the resumption of normal operations. The impact of the strike extends beyond the airline, affecting passengers, the economy, and Canadian businesses that rely on air travel and cargo transport services.
References:
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 16). Air Canada strike begins as 10,000 flight attendants walk off the job. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-strike-1.5286997
[2] The Globe and Mail. (2025, August 16). Air Canada strike: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/air-canada-strike-what-you-need-to-know/article39278653/
[3] CBC News. (2025, August 17). Air Canada strike: Union defies back-to-work order, vows to continue picketing. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-strike-union-defies-back-to-work-order-vows-to-continue-picketing-1.5287121
[4] The Canadian Press. (2025, August 18). Air Canada strike: Union, airline return to talks as flight cancellations mount. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/air-canada-strike-union-airline-return-to-talks-as-flight-cancellations-mount-1.5287427
[5] The Globe and Mail. (2025, August 19). Air Canada strike: Union reaches tentative deal to end walkout. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/air-canada-strike-union-reaches-tentative-deal-to-end-walkout/article39279714/
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