Air Canada Faces Major Disruption Due to Strike
At the height of the summer travel season, Air Canada has announced a complete cessation of flights by Friday, 16 August, due to a strike by its cabin crew. This decision comes after members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), who work for the airline, walked out in protest over a long-standing pay dispute. The strike will impact passengers traveling with both Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Rouge.
Air Canada has offered a “38 per cent total compensation increase over four years,” but the union claims this offer is insufficient. According to the union, the proposed increase is “below inflation, below market value, and below minimum wage.” The union has received an unprecedented 99.7 per cent strike mandate from its members, indicating strong support for the walkout.
In response to the strike, Air Canada issued a “lockout notice,” which the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) defines as “the closing of a place of business or a suspension of work by an employer.” Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s president and chief executive, stated that the lockout is necessary to provide certainty and avoid chaos for travelers. He emphasized that unplanned shutdowns could be far worse than an orderly suspension of operations.
Cancellations began on Wednesday, 13 August, with more planned for Thursday. All Air Canada flights are expected to cease by Friday. This disruption affects thousands of passengers daily, including those traveling between Canada and the UK.
Impact on Passengers
Air Canada carries approximately 120,000 passengers per day in August, with over 3,000 of them traveling to or from the UK. The airline’s main British airport is London Heathrow, with additional flights to and from Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be notified of alternative travel options, though securing such capacity may take time, especially during the peak summer travel period. Air Canada has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to assist passengers where possible.
Rights and Compensation
If your flight was scheduled to start in the UK or EU and is canceled, Air Canada is required to find an alternative way to get you to your destination as close to the original timings as possible. Potential replacements include British Airways, Air Transat, or WestJet, if seats are available. Air Canada may also rebook passengers with its Star Alliance partner, United, which could involve flying from the UK to Canada via the US. This would require obtaining an ESTA permit and clearing the US border, adding complexity to the journey.
Passengers waiting to be rebooked can expect hotel accommodation and meals if necessary. However, if your journey begins in Canada, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) apply. For cancellations due to the airline’s responsibility, travelers may be entitled to compensation, hotels, and meals. Unlike European rules, Canadian regulations consider labor disruptions as beyond the airline’s control, meaning no duty of care is required in such cases.
Travel Insurance and Compensation
Travel insurance may help cover additional expenses incurred due to the strike, provided they cannot be covered by others. However, passengers are expected to contact the airline first before making a claim. For flights departing from the UK, the airline is responsible for extra costs, but not for those starting in Canada.
Compensation for canceled flights is uncertain. Under British air passenger rights, there is no consensus on whether industrial action entitles travelers to cash compensation. Similarly, Canada’s APPR states that strikes are outside Air Canada’s control, so no compensation is payable.
Duration of the Disruption
The situation is expected to last days rather than weeks or months. Air Canada is losing tens of millions of dollars each day until the strike ends. However, the two sides remain far apart in negotiations. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has stated that they have always been available to negotiate, while Air Canada aims to pressure the union into agreeing to terms through the lockout.
Even when flights resume, it will take time to restore full service. Passengers are advised to stay informed and check with Air Canada for updates on their specific travel plans.
