Canadian Government Intervenes to End Air Canada Flight Attendants' Strike
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The Canadian government has mandated an end to the Air Canada flight attendants' strike, citing economic concerns, and has referred the labor dispute to binding arbitration.
The Canadian government has intervened to end the strike by Air Canada flight attendants, which began on August 16, 2025, and disrupted travel for over 100,000 passengers daily. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration and mandate an immediate return to work.
The strike, initiated by approximately 10,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), led to the suspension of around 700 daily flights. The union cited compensation for unpaid ground duties as a primary issue, rejecting Air Canada's offer of a 38% pay increase over four years as insufficient.
Air Canada announced plans to resume flights on Sunday, August 17, following the government's directive. The airline anticipates that normal operations will be restored over the next 7 to 10 days.
Minister Hajdu emphasized the necessity of the intervention to protect the economy, especially in light of recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada. She stated that the existing labor contract will remain in effect until the arbitrator finalizes a new agreement.
CUPE President Wesley Lesosky criticized the government's swift action, accusing it of violating the flight attendants' constitutional right to strike and favoring the airline's position.
Passengers affected by the strike are eligible for full refunds or alternative travel options through other airlines, though availability may be limited due to peak season demand.