DAILY MENTOR NEWS
By Staff Writer | August 13, 2025
Air Canada is gearing up to lock out its more than 10,000 flight attendants after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing the cabin crew voted overwhelmingly to strike. The strike action is set to begin at approximately 12:58 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 16, 2025, unless a last-minute agreement is reached.
Following the union's issuance of a 72-hour strike notice, Air Canada has responded with a statutory lockout notice to mitigate disruption and enable an orderly wind down of its operations. The airline has already begun a phased cancellation of flights, with travel disruptions expected to start from Thursday, August 14, 2025, and continue until a negotiated settlement is achieved.
The looming strike comes amid stalled negotiations centering primarily on wage and compensation issues. Air Canada proposed a total compensation increase of 38% spread over four years, including a 25% raise in the first year and partial pay for previously uncompensated work such as boarding and waiting times. However, CUPE argues that the offer falls short of addressing inflation and the fair valuation of all hours worked.
Air Canada and its subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, collectively serving approximately 130,000 passengers daily, are facing significant operational challenges as the airline seeks government-directed arbitration to forestall the work stoppage. The airline expressed regret over the anticipated impact on travelers and the broader Canadian economy but emphasized the necessity of clear action following a negotiation deadlock.
Passengers affected by the cancellations are eligible for full refunds or rebooking options, with the airline working with over 120 global carriers to assist displaced customers. Regional Air Canada Express flights, operated by partner airlines Jazz and PAL, will continue operating and carry about 20% of daily passengers.
The Canadian Minister of Jobs and Families has called for continued dialogue between Air Canada and the union, urging resolution before the strike unfolds.
This impending labor dispute poses a major disruption risk for national and international travel, impacting key routes to and from Canada to destinations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
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