Air Canada has pushed back its plans to restart flights until Monday evening after the union for its flight attendants chose to ignore a government order to return to work. This move comes amid a strike that started on Saturday, stranding over 100,000 travelers daily during the busy summer season in Canada.
The airline made the announcement late Sunday, stating that the union’s actions broke the rules set by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Union leaders stood firm, calling the order unfair and vowing to fight it in court.
Strike Hits Peak Travel Time
The walkout began just after midnight on Saturday, marking the first strike by Air Canada flight attendants since 1985. More than 10,000 workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, left their posts over disputes on pay, working conditions, and unpaid hours.
Air Canada, the nation’s biggest airline, runs about 700 flights each day. The sudden stop left passengers scrambling at major hubs like Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport.
Experts say the timing could not be worse. Summer travel peaks in August, with families and tourists filling planes. Recent data from Statistics Canada shows air travel demand up 15 percent from last year, making disruptions even more painful.
Passengers reported long lines and confusion. One traveler at Pearson said she missed a family reunion in Europe because of canceled flights.
Government Steps In Quickly
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu acted fast, less than 12 hours into the strike. She sent the dispute to binding arbitration through the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
The board ordered workers back by 2 p.m. Sunday and extended the old contract until a new deal comes through. Hajdu pointed to economic risks, including new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods that add pressure on supply chains.
This kind of quick government move is rare but not new. In 2024, similar steps ended a pilots’ dispute at Air Canada, avoiding major fallout. Hajdu stressed that stability matters now more than ever for Canada’s economy.
Air Canada praised the intervention at first. The airline said it would start flights again Sunday evening, but full service might take up to 10 days to rebuild.
Union Vows to Fight Back
Union president Mark Hancock spoke out at Pearson Airport, saying members would not return. He called the process biased and accused Air Canada of dodging real talks, knowing the government would step in.
The union plans to challenge the order in court, claiming it violates workers’ rights. Hancock said flight attendants face long hours without pay and deserve better deals.
This defiance echoes past labor battles in Canada. For example, postal workers rejected offers earlier this year, leading to talks of strikes. Labor groups across the country show support, hinting at wider unrest.
Here are key demands from the union:
- Higher wages to match rising living costs
- Limits on unpaid work hours
- Better benefits and pension plans
- Safer working conditions on flights
Air Canada called the union’s stance illegal and urged workers to follow the board’s ruling.
Massive Impact on Travelers and Economy
The strike affects not just Canada but global routes. Air Canada flies to over 200 spots worldwide, so delays ripple out to the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Daily, about 130,000 people feel the hit. Canceled flights mean lost vacations, business trips, and connections. One estimate from travel analysts puts economic losses at $100 million per day.
Passengers can check updates on Air Canada’s app or website. The airline offers rebooking without fees for affected flights.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| August 16, 2025 | Strike begins | Flight attendants walk off after talks fail |
| August 17, 2025 | Government intervenes | Minister orders arbitration and back-to-work |
| August 17, 2025 | Union defies order | Leaders say no to returning, challenge in court |
| August 18, 2025 | Flights delayed | Restart pushed to Monday evening |
| Ongoing | Recovery phase | Full schedule may take 7-10 days |
This table shows the quick timeline of events, highlighting how fast things escalated.
Airlines like WestJet and Porter have added extra flights to help, but seats fill up fast. Travelers should book alternatives soon.
Path Forward Remains Unclear
Air Canada aims to get back in the air by Monday evening, starting with key routes. But if the union keeps striking, more delays could follow.
Legal experts predict a court battle that might drag on for weeks. Meanwhile, both sides could return to the table under arbitration.
The government has stayed quiet on next steps, but pressure builds to resolve it. With U.S. tariffs looming, leaders want quick stability.
This dispute spotlights bigger issues in Canada’s labor scene. Rising costs and worker shortages fuel demands for change. Similar tensions bubbled up in rail and port strikes last year, costing billions.
As talks continue, travelers and workers watch closely. Share your thoughts in the comments below or pass this article to others facing flight issues. Your input could help highlight solutions.
