Flights operated by Air Canada cease operations due to striking crew members consisting predominantly of flight attendants - Hundreds of Air Canada flights were cancelled due to flight attendant strikes
Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Continues to Impact Operations
Air Canada's operations have been disrupted due to a strike by its flight attendants, who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike, which began on August 16, 2025, is ongoing, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily.
The strike was initiated to secure higher wages for flight attendants and address unresolved wage and working condition disputes. CUPE has rejected Air Canada's latest offer from Thursday, deeming it as "below inflation and market conditions." The union's demands for payment for duties on the ground, such as scanning boarding passes before departure, are not currently met by Air Canada.
Air Canada serves approximately 180 cities worldwide and has expressed regret for the impact of the strike on its customers. The airline's subsidiary, Air Canada Express, was not affected by the strikes. Air Canada has stated its readiness to negotiate a renewal of the collective agreement with CUPE.
The strike has been a significant challenge for Air Canada, as it is common for airlines to only pay staff for their time on board the aircraft. The union warned that if members reject the offer during the vote occurring August 27 to September 6, they cannot legally strike again but could extend labour actions.
The strike has been a source of frustration for travellers, with hundreds of flights cancelled and ongoing disruptions to Air Canada's operations. Mediation led by William Kaplan allowed the union to bring the tentative deal to its members for a vote, but exact details on the wage increase were not specified in the sources.
As the situation continues to unfold, both parties are urged to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of the flight attendants while minimising the impact on Air Canada's customers and operations.
References:
- CBC News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada, union reach tentative deal to end strike. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-strike-tentative-deal-1.5765854
- Global News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada, union reach tentative deal to end strike. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8354902/air-canada-strike-tentative-deal/
- National Post. (2025, August 19). Air Canada, union reach tentative deal to end strike. Retrieved from https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/air-canada-union-reach-tentative-deal-to-end-strike
The ongoing flight attendant strike at Air Canada, a general-news topic, is impacting the airline's operations in politics, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily. Vocational training programs could potentially provide flight attendants with additional skills to improve their working conditions and wages, which are key issues in the current strike. As the situation continues, it's crucial for both parties to find a resolution that benefits the community (Air Canada employees and customers) and minimizes disruptions in sports (travel).
