BREAKING: Air Canada has suspended all flights following a strike by cabin staff, impacting approximately 130,000 passengers daily. The union representing over 10,000 flight attendants confirmed the 72-hour industrial action that commenced at 00:58 ET today, leading to significant disruptions in travel plans across Canada.
Travelers are being urgently advised not to go to airports unless flying with a different airline. Air Canada confirmed that all operations, including its budget arm Air Canada Rouge, have been halted, affecting around 500 flights per day. The airline has expressed deep regret over the situation, stating, “Air Canada deeply regrets the effect the strike is having on customers.”
The strike is fueled by demands for higher salaries and compensation for work performed while aircraft are on the ground. Despite Air Canada’s proposal of a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, the flight attendants’ union, CUPE, argues that the offer falls “below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage,” and fails to address unpaid hours during boarding and waiting periods.
Earlier this week, Air Canada had already begun scaling back operations in anticipation of the strike, resulting in the cancellation of 623 flights affecting over 100,000 passengers. As a consequence, many travelers are scrambling to secure new bookings amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Flight attendants are expected to stage pickets at major Canadian airports, increasing the likelihood of further disruptions. Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has publicly urged both Air Canada and CUPE to return to the bargaining table to find a resolution and avoid the strike, while also revealing that Air Canada requested referral of the dispute to binding arbitration.
CUPE claims it has been negotiating in good faith for more than eight months, accusing Air Canada of not engaging cooperatively and instead seeking government intervention. “When we stood strong together, Air Canada didn’t come to the table in good faith,” the union stated in a message to its members.
As the strike unfolds, travelers are left in limbo, with the airline strongly advising against heading to the airport unless necessary. The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on Air Canada and CUPE as they navigate this critical labor dispute.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story progresses, and check for real-time flight information if you are affected by these changes.
