Air Canada Strike Disrupts Travel for Thousands
An unexpected strike by Air Canada cabin crew members early Saturday has caused widespread disruptions, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The walkout, which began just after 1 a.m. EDT, forced the airline to suspend most of its 700 daily flights, impacting approximately 130,000 travelers, according to the company.
The exact number of U.S. passengers affected remains unclear, but Air Canada operates about 430 flights to the United States daily, out of over 1,000 total flights. This disruption has created significant challenges for passengers who are now seeking alternative travel options or waiting for updates on their trips.
Union Demands Better Pay and Working Conditions
Unionized Air Canada employees set up picket lines at major Canadian airports, advocating for improved pay and working conditions. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing more than 10,000 flight attendants, highlighted that their members are currently paid only when the aircraft is in motion—from pushback to arrival. They receive no compensation for time spent boarding passengers, assisting with deplaning, or waiting on the ground between flights.
The union is demanding full compensation for this unpaid ground time. Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada component of CUPE, stated during a press conference in Toronto that there were no scheduled bargaining sessions between the two sides, despite months of on-and-off negotiations.
“We are here because Air Canada forces us to work for free for hours and hours every day, and we are here because we are not going to accept it anymore,” Lesosky said.
Air Canada’s Compensation Offer
Air Canada claims its offer provides an overall compensation increase of 38% over four years. However, the union argues that the company is only offering 50% pay for ground duties such as boarding and deplaning, rather than full hourly wages.
The airline states that its package would make Air Canada flight attendants the best-compensated in Canada. Currently, cabin crew earn up to $17 more per hour than their counterparts at the company’s largest domestic competitor, according to the airline.
Air Canada outlined specific increases in hourly rates, including a 12% to 16% rise that includes an 8% boost to base wages and an additional 4% to 8% through a new ground pay formula. By 2027, senior flight attendants could earn an average of 87,000 Canadian dollars ($63,000 U.S.) annually, with about 20% making 90,000 Canadian dollars ($65,700 U.S.) or more.
Impact on Passengers and Company Response
Air Canada has expressed its commitment to negotiating a renewal of its collective agreement with CUPE. The company apologized for the disruption and urged affected customers not to visit the airport unless they have confirmed tickets with other airlines.
For those whose flights are not yet canceled, the airline has introduced a goodwill policy allowing them to rebook their travel or receive a credit for future use. Air Canada also plans to notify customers with imminent travel about additional canceled flights and their options.
Government and Union Perspectives
Air Canada has requested intervention from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government. However, the union emphasizes its preference for a negotiated solution, arguing that binding arbitration would reduce pressure on the airline.
Air Canada serves over 180 airports across Canada, the United States, and internationally on six continents. The ongoing strike has created significant challenges for both the airline and its passengers, highlighting the complexities of labor disputes in the aviation industry.
