Air Canada Flight Crew Announce 72-hour Strike Preparation
Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, faces the possibility of a work stoppage as early as this weekend, potentially disrupting operations for thousands of passengers. The union representing Air Canada's flight attendants, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), has the authority to initiate a strike as of 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday.
The potential job action could impact approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants. The situation remains uncertain, as both parties have not provided any updates regarding the potential strike or lockout.
The dispute between Air Canada and CUPE began on August 16, 2025, when CUPE flight attendants walked off, suspending all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights. The Federal Minister of Jobs and Families intervened by referring the dispute to final binding arbitration, but CUPE defied the return-to-work directive issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
Despite the impasse in negotiations, a tentative deal has been reached through mediation overseen by William Kaplan. This deal includes transformational changes and ends the strike, subject to ratification by CUPE members. If ratified, the deal is expected to allow Air Canada to gradually resume flights that were suspended since August 16, 2025.
Air Canada had earlier offered substantial pay and benefits improvements, including a roughly 38% total compensation increase over four years, higher hourly rates, improved pensions, and quality of life improvements.
In the event of a strike, Air Canada will notify customers via email and text message before their travel. Customers whose flights are cancelled due to a possible strike will be eligible for a full refund. The required 72 hours' notice for any job action could be given at any point.
The stock symbol for Air Canada is (TSX:AC). The potential job action could still affect the airline's operations and the travel plans of thousands of passengers. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they become available.
This report was first published on August 13, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
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