Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike Halts Operations, Disrupts Thousands of Passengers

Air Canada has suspended all operations following the commencement of a strike by over 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike began at 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after contract negotiations failed to yield an agreement.

The labor dispute centers on compensation for unpaid work during boarding and ground time, as well as wage increases. Air Canada proposed a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including an 8% raise in the first year. CUPE rejected this offer, stating it was insufficient given current inflation rates.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to intensify negotiations to resolve the dispute.

The strike has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily, including 25,000 Canadians abroad. Air Canada has offered refunds and limited rebooking options through other airlines, though availability is constrained due to peak summer travel demand.

The duration of the operational shutdown remains uncertain. Air Canada Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr indicated that it could take up to a week to fully resume operations once a tentative deal is reached.