Air Canada strike is looming as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, have issued a 72-hour strike notice after talks with the airline reached an impasse. The strike is scheduled to begin at 12:58 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 16, 2025, unless a last-minute agreement is reached to avert the disruption.
The ongoing labor dispute centers on a deadlock in talks over pay, working conditions, and unpaid work hours. Earlier this week, Air Canada announced it had reached an impasse in negotiations after the union rejected the company’s revised offer, which included a 38% compensation increase over four years with a 25% raise in the first year. Despite these concessions, the union criticized the offer as falling below inflation and market rates, and not adequately addressing unpaid hours worked on the ground before and between flights.
In response to the strike notice, Air Canada issued a statutory 72-hour lockout notice to CUPE, effective 32 minutes after the strike begins. The airline began a phased suspension of most Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights starting Thursday, August 14, with a complete cessation expected by the weekend. Air Canada Express flights, operated by third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines and accounting for about 20% of daily passengers, will continue unaffected.
The strike could disrupt travel plans for hundreds of thousands of Canadians, especially during the busy summer travel period. Air Canada typically serves approximately 130,000 passengers daily, including 25,000 Canadians returning from abroad. Customers impacted by cancellations will be notified and offered full refunds or rebooking options with Air Canada or partner carriers, though availability will be limited given peak travel season.
Key points of contention in the dispute include:
- Pay and compensation levels, especially for time spent working on the ground, which flight attendants argue is currently unpaid
- Working conditions such as rest periods and pensions
- The union’s rejection of a binding arbitration process, preferring direct negotiation and a contract subject to member vote
- Air Canada’s request for federal government intervention to impose binding arbitration under the Canada Labour Code to prevent travel disruption
Air Canada has stated it has negotiated in good faith for eight months with federal conciliators’ help and remains open to further talks. However, with the union steadfast on its demands and unwilling to enter arbitration, both sides face a challenging path forward.
The potential strike underscores broader issues in the airline industry where cabin crew seek fair compensation not just for time in flight but for all hours worked, reflecting evolving labor standards. The union’s nearly unanimous strike vote (99.7% in favor) highlights the urgency flight attendants feel about their contract concerns.
For now, travelers booked on Air Canada flights should monitor their bookings closely and prepare for possible last-minute changes. The airline advises customers without confirmed reservations not to go to the airport and to stay updated through official channels.
This unfolding Air Canada strike story is a critical development for Canadian travel and labor relations this summer. Stay tuned for updates as the August 16 strike deadline approaches, and share your thoughts or experiences on how this labor dispute might impact travel plans or the airline industry.