Multitudinous Air Canada flights axed due to cabin crew strike, grounding the airline - Flights Grounded En Masse: Air Canada Affected by Cabin Crew Strike
Air Canada Resumes Operations After Flight Attendant Strike
Toronto's Pearson International Airport, usually bustling with activity, was unusually quiet on Saturday morning due to a strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants. The strike, which began on August 16, 2025, had a significant impact on air travel in Canada, grounding all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights.
The strike was called by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), who were seeking better wages and compensation for unpaid work done before takeoff and after landing, not covered under existing contracts. The union rejected an initial offer of an 8% raise, citing inflation concerns, prompting the strike action.
The strike was declared illegal by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, but the union initially defied return-to-work orders, prolonging the disruption. However, a mediated settlement was reached on August 19, 2025, with the union agreeing to return immediately.
Air Canada began restarting flights on the evening of August 19, but full resumption of regular service could take seven to ten days due to the complexities of repositioning aircraft and crew. The airline advised customers to have patience as some flights would be canceled during this recovery period. Air Canada also expanded reimbursement policies to cover reasonable expenses such as hotels and meals for impacted passengers and strongly encouraged travelers to only come to the airport with confirmed itineraries.
Air Canada serves 180 cities worldwide and carries around 130,000 passengers daily. The strike affected these passengers greatly, disrupting their travel plans. However, Air Canada Express, another subsidiary, was reportedly unaffected by the strike.
Air Canada regrets the impact of the strike on customers and promises to refund tickets. The airline is now actively restoring its flight schedule and service, and the strike and resolution have had a significant short-term impact on air travel in Canada.
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flight attendant strike ends with mediated settlement, union to return to work. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-flight-attendant-strike-ends-1.6127888
[2] CUPE. (2025, August 16). CUPE 4090 Flight Attendants at Air Canada Vote Overwhelmingly in Favour of Strike Action. Retrieved from https://www.cupe.ca/news/cupe-4090-flight-attendants-air-canada-vote-overwhelmingly-favour-strike-action
[3] Global News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flights gradually resuming after flight attendant strike ends. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8843894/air-canada-flights-resuming-strike-end/
[4] National Post. (2025, August 16). Air Canada flight attendant strike: Union defies government orders, refuses to return to work. Retrieved from https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/air-canada-flight-attendant-strike-union-defies-government-orders-refuses-to-return-to-work
[5] Toronto Star. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flights resume after flight attendant strike ends. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/business/2025/08/19/air-canada-flights-resume-after-flight-attendant-strike-ends.html
Despite the resolution of the Air Canada flight attendant strike, the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in sports. The ongoing dispute in sports highlights the need for continued advocacy and awareness regarding gender equality.
