Air Canada Operations Grind to a Halt as Flight Attendants Strike Begins, Stranding Thousands
Air Canada Operations Grind to a Halt as Flight Attendants Strike Begins, Stranding Thousands
Air Canada has suspended all operations as over 10,000 of its flight attendants initiated a strike early Saturday, August 16, 2025, after last-minute contract talks failed. The walkout, confirmed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), leaves travelers worldwide stranded amidst the peak summer travel season.
The bitter dispute escalated after the union rejected the airline’s request for government-directed arbitration, which would have prevented the strike. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in negotiations, urging both parties to reach a resolution.
The complete shutdown is expected to impact approximately 130,000 passengers daily, with an estimated 25,000 Canadians potentially stranded abroad each day. Air Canada, which typically operates around 700 flights daily, has begun locking flight attendants out of airports.
While Air Canada stated passengers could request full refunds or seek alternative travel options, it warned that rebooking might be challenging due to high demand on other carriers. The duration of the grounding remains uncertain, though the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Nasr, indicated it could take up to a week to fully resume operations once a deal is reached.
The core of the eight-month-long contract dispute centers on wages and compensation for unpaid work. Air Canada’s latest offer included a 38% total compensation increase over four years, but the union deemed the proposed 8% first-year raise insufficient given current inflation.
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.