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Air Canada has announced the cancellation of flights starting Thursday, August 14, 2025, due to a looming strike by its cabin crew. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. The strike is set to commence at 1 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 16, unless a pay agreement is reached.
The dispute centers around a proposed pay deal that CUPE has rejected. Air Canada’s offer includes a 38% total compensation increase over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year. However, the union argues that the offer is insufficient, stating that it fails to meet inflation, market value, and minimum wage standards. Additionally, the union criticizes the industry practice of compensating cabin crew only for in-flight time, excluding hours spent boarding or waiting at airports.
In response to the impending strike, Air Canada has issued a lockout notice to its employees, set to take effect shortly after the strike begins. The airline has also promised full refunds for canceled flights during the busy summer season. The strike is expected to affect approximately 130,000 customers daily and could significantly impact key international routes.
A prolonged work stoppage may lead to flight cancellations and higher ticket prices at rival carriers. Air Canada has requested government-directed arbitration to resolve the deadlock, but the union has declined binding arbitration.
Source: Reuters