Air Canada Operations Halted: Flight Attendants Strike Grounds All Flights, Stranding Thousands
Air Canada Operations Halted: Flight Attendants Strike Grounds All Flights, Stranding Thousands
Air Canada has suspended all operations after more than 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), walked off the job early Saturday following a breakdown in contract negotiations. The immediate and complete shutdown has grounded all Air Canada flights, leaving an estimated 130,000 travelers per day stranded worldwide during the peak summer travel season.
The strike commenced around 1 a.m. EDT after a deadline to reach a new deal passed without agreement. Air Canada confirmed the halt in operations shortly thereafter, while the union stated no progress was made despite their willingness to bargain.
Key sticking points in the eight-month-long contract talks include wages and compensation for unpaid work performed by flight attendants when planes are not in the air. While Air Canada offered a 38% total compensation increase over four years, the union deemed an initial 8% raise insufficient given current inflation rates.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment over the lack of progress, urging both parties to prioritize reaching a resolution. The airline, which operates approximately 700 flights daily, has advised affected passengers they are eligible for full refunds and is attempting to offer alternative travel options, though rebooking is challenging due to the high demand for summer travel.
The duration of the strike remains uncertain, with Air Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr indicating it could take up to a week to fully restart operations once a tentative deal is reached.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.