Operations halted as labor dispute escalates
Air Canada began canceling flights Thursday in anticipation of a possible strike by roughly 10,000 flight attendants, a move that could disrupt travel for more than 130,000 passengers daily. The union issued a 72-hour strike notice Wednesday, prompting the airline to respond with a lockout notice. Chief Operations Officer Mark Nasr confirmed that Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge services would be gradually suspended, with all flights paused by early Saturday morning.
Mass cancellations and passenger impact
The initial wave of cancellations targeted long-haul overseas flights scheduled for Thursday night. By Friday evening, disruptions are expected to affect over 100,000 customers, with 500 flights canceled by the end of the day. Nasr warned that 25,000 Canadians abroad could be stranded. The airline pledged full refunds for canceled flights and has coordinated with other carriers to provide alternative travel options where possible.
Sticking points in negotiations
Air Canada’s latest offer includes a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, covering wages, benefits, and pensions. However, the union maintains that the core issues remain low pay and unpaid work during non-flying duties. Signs displayed at a union press conference read “Unpaid work won’t fly” and “Poverty wages = UnCanadian.” Union representative Natasha Stea accused the airline of banking on government intervention and rejected binding arbitration in favor of direct negotiations.
Government’s role and next steps
Head of human resources Arielle Meloul-Wechsler acknowledged an impasse but said the company remains open to talks or consensual arbitration. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table, stressing that agreements reached through negotiation are more sustainable. If no deal is reached, Air Canada warns of “very serious disruptions” and may seek government action.
