"A state of inaction prevails, aligning us with their interests"
Air Canada's labor dispute with its flight attendants has entered a new phase, with the potential strike ending on August 19, 2025, but still subject to union ratification[1][4]. This followed a four-day strike that defied a government return-to-work order.
During the strike, all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights were suspended, while regional flights by Air Canada Express continued[1]. The disruption affected about 130,000 passengers daily, causing widespread cancellations and rebookings. Air Canada allowed passengers to postpone bookings without fees starting August 21 and helped rebook travel, including on partner airlines, but many travelers faced long waits and difficulty securing immediate travel, especially at busy hubs like Calgary International Airport[1][2].
As of August 23, Air Canada is beginning to resume operations, with airports such as Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) returning to mostly normal or moderate disruption levels. Passengers are advised to only come to airports when they have confirmed reservations and to check their flight status online or via the Air Canada app[5]. Due to the backlog and rebooking, travelers still face some delays and cancellations, so plans may remain impacted until full operations normalize.
The union has accused Air Canada of refusing to address the "fundamental issues" and has rejected the airline's request for a binding arbitration process[1]. Air Transat has seen an increase in traffic on its website and a notable increase in calls due to users looking for flight options[2]. Some passengers, like Jean-François Courchesne and his wife, have decided to return from Halifax with Air Transat instead of Air Canada due to the strike[3].
Travelers interviewed at Montreal-Trudeau Airport expressed concern, empathy, and resignation about the potential strike[3]. Marie Fallourd, a traveler from France, has been preparing to fly to Nova Scotia but is unsure of her return due to the strike[3]. Some travelers are unaware that a strike is being considered.
The strike will begin at 00:58 on Saturday if no agreement is reached by then. Air Canada has served a lock-out notice on the union, which will begin at 01:30 on Saturday[1]. It's important to note that some passengers may be offered a seat on a flight with another airline, but this will not be possible for everyone[1].
In this evolving situation, passengers are advised to closely monitor their flight status and make necessary arrangements accordingly. The outcome of the union ratification vote will determine whether this disruption continues or if normal operations resume fully.
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada strike over as tentative deal reached after four days of disruption. Retrieved August 23, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/air-canada-strike-tentative-deal-1.6174888
[2] CBC News. (2025, August 21). Air Canada strike: Air Transat sees surge in bookings as travellers look for alternatives. Retrieved August 23, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-canada-strike-air-transat-bookings-1.6175782
[3] CBC News. (2025, August 22). Air Canada strike: Some travellers nervous, some unaware as potential labour action looms. Retrieved August 23, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/air-canada-strike-travellers-1.6175780
[4] The Globe and Mail. (2025, August 19). Air Canada strike ends as tentative deal reached, but union vote looms. Retrieved August 23, 2025, from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-air-canada-strike-ends-as-tentative-deal-reached-but-union-vote-looms/
[5] Air Canada. (2025, August 23). Air Canada resuming operations at select airports. Retrieved August 23, 2025, from https://www.aircanada.com/en/aco/home/newsroom/news-releases/air-canada-resuming-operations-at-select-airports.html
- In the midst of the ongoing political dispute between Air Canada and its flight attendants, some passengers are exploring alternatives like Air Transat due to the potential strikes and their consequent inconveniences in flight schedules.
- As the union ratification vote approaches, travelers must cautiously navigate the policy-and-legislation surrounding the labor dispute, closely monitoring updates on transport and general-news platforms for any impact on their journey, especially regarding crime-and-justice matters such as delays and cancellations.
