Aviation giant, Air Canada, halts all fleets as 10,000 flight attendants launch a work stoppage
In a significant development, Air Canada has resumed its operations following a mediated settlement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) after the strike was declared unlawful by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on August 18, 2025. However, the airline expects ongoing cancellations and disruptions for up to a week or more as it works to stabilize its schedule.
As of August 25, 2025, all 260 aircraft are back in service, operating about 95% of its network. The airline is gradually restoring its schedule, acknowledging that full restoration of service might take seven to ten days due to logistical challenges such as repositioning aircraft and crews.
The tentative contract remains subject to a union vote, with significant internal opposition. If the contract is rejected in a pending vote, no further strikes can legally occur, but it would prolong negotiations and could lead to arbitration on wage issues. The union leadership has emphasized member frustration but urged solidarity.
For passengers, Air Canada has implemented expanded reimbursement policies covering reasonable hotel, lodging, and meal expenses for those impacted between August 15 and 23, 2025. Customers are encouraged to confirm itineraries before going to the airport and to use rebooking tools online or via the mobile app due to high call volumes. The airline is working with partner airlines to secure additional capacity to assist displaced travelers.
Rafael Gomez, from the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations, suggests that the airline and the flight attendants are "playing chicken" with each other. He also predicts that if the flight attendants strike, it may not last long due to the peak season and potential revenue loss for the airline. However, he also notes that the union has effectively communicated the issue, creating a public perception of unfairness.
CUPE has described Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value." The union wants to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process. Notably, flights by Air Canada Express, operated by third-party airlines, are not affected by the strike.
Air Canada has been gradually reducing its schedule of approximately 700 daily flights to manage the labour disruption. As of 8pm Friday, Air Canada has cancelled 623 flights affecting over 100,000 passengers. The airline will notify customers with imminent travel of additional cancelled flights and their options.
Customers due to travel soon whose flights are not yet cancelled can rebook their travel or obtain a credit for future travel under a goodwill policy by Air Canada. Affected customers are strongly advised not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on an airline other than Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge.
The strike took effect at 12:58 am Eastern Time on August 16, 2025. The union has rejected requests from the federal government and Air Canada to resolve outstanding issues through independent arbitration. This situation reflects unresolved tensions despite operational recovery and highlights continuing uncertainty for Air Canada’s flight attendants and customers.
Passengers are advised to visit aircanada.com/action for more information.
- Despite the resumption of Air Canada's operations, passengers should be prepared for ongoing cancellations and disruptions in the coming days, as the airline works to stabilize its schedule after the recent strike.
- In light of the ongoing negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), customers are encouraged to confirm their itineraries before going to the airport, especially due to the high call volumes and potential rebooking needs caused by the strike.
- Rafael Gomez, from the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations, suggests that the ongoing tensions between Air Canada and its flight attendants, as showcased by the recent strike, could extend negotiations and potentially lead to arbitration on wage issues in the future.
