Aircraft operations by Air Canada temporarily halted due to imminent work stoppage by their cabin crew
Air Canada Resumes Operations After Flight Attendants' Strike Settlement
After a significant disruption to travelers during the peak summer season, Air Canada has resumed its operations following a mediated settlement to the illegal flight attendants' strike that began in mid-August 2025.
The strike, which affected approximately 130,000 travelers daily, resulted in many flights being canceled and operations suspended. The logistical complexities of repositioning aircraft and crew meant that full restoration of services took 7 to 10 days.
Despite the initial refusal by the union to end the strike, a settlement was reached, and Air Canada began gradually resuming operations starting August 19, 2025. As of August 22-24, the airline is actively welcoming back passengers and offering expanded reimbursement policies for those affected.
Travelers are advised to monitor flight status and use online rebooking tools due to ongoing schedule adjustments. Air Canada acknowledges the severe impact on customers and is working to stabilize operations within about a week to 10 days of the settlement.
The key issues at the center of the contract negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have been ongoing for about eight months. The airline's latest offer includes a 38% increase in total compensation, including benefits and pensions, over four years. However, the union has pushed back on the offer, stating that the proposed 8% raise in the first year doesn't go far enough because of inflation.
The union representing 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants has rejected the airline's request for government-directed arbitration. It remains unclear how long the airline's planes will be grounded. More than 620 Air Canada flights have been canceled due to the potential strike.
Passengers whose travel is impacted by the strike will be eligible to request a full refund on the airline's website or mobile app. Air Canada will offer alternative travel options through other Canadian and foreign airlines when possible. The airline has warned that it cannot guarantee immediate rebooking because flights on other airlines are already full "due to the summer travel peak."
The actions threaten to impact about 130,000 people a day, and potentially 25,000 Canadians a day who may become stranded abroad. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu met with both the airline and union on Friday night, urging them to reach a deal. Hugh Pouliot, a spokesman for the union, stated that the union had a meeting with Hajdu and representatives from Air Canada and is willing to continue bargaining.
Meanwhile, the Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife have pledged a record $2B to an Oregon cancer center and university. Montreal resident Alex Laroche and his girlfriend's $8,000 European vacation is at risk due to the potential strike, as they wait to hear about the fate of their Saturday night flight to Nice, France.
- Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged the Canadian Union of Public Employees and Air Canada to reach a settlement, as the strike at Bellevue could affect over 130,000 people daily and potentially strand 25,000 Canadians abroad.
- As the negotiations between Air Canada and the union continue, the general-news headlines are filled with the strike's impact on businesses and jobs, not just in the aviation sector but also for travel agencies and tourism-related industries.
- Amidst the turbulence in politics and Air Canada's operations, Seattle residents like Alex Laroche have had their travel plans disrupted, with their European vacation at risk due to the potential strike.
