Air Canada Flight Attendants Ordered Back to Work Amid Illegal Strike

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has declared the ongoing strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants illegal and ordered them to return to work immediately. The strike, now in its third day, has impacted about 130,000 travelers daily during the peak summer season. Despite government intervention and a prior back-to-work order, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) defied directives, prompting Air Canada to delay its flight resumption. CUPE has rejected arbitration and is protesting issues around pay and unpaid duties performed outside flight times, despite an offer from Air Canada proposing a 38% compensation increase over four years. Union president Mark Hancock publicly tore up the initial order and vowed the strike would continue. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed concern and urged a resolution. The labor board has demanded that CUPE notify its members to return to work by noon Monday, but it's unclear what actions the government or board will take if noncompliance continues. Passengers affected by the disruption can request full refunds from the airline. The dispute adds to growing tensions between labor unions and government mandates in Canada’s transportation sector.