Air Canada suspends all operations as flight attendants go on strike after no deal reached

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Air Canada has suspended all operations after more than 10,000 of the airline’s flight attendants went on strike early Saturday when a deadline to reach a deal passed. The Canadian Union of Public Employees confirmed the strike had started after no agreement was reached, prompting the airline to halt operations. This marks the first strike by flight attendants since 1985.

The contract dispute between Canada’s largest airline and the union representing 10,000 of its flight attendants escalated when the union rejected the airline’s request for government-directed arbitration, which would eliminate their right to strike. The union opted for a strike instead, with flight attendants walking off the job around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday.

Air Canada union engages in strike activity, in Dorval — People hold placards as a strike begins after the union representing Air Canada’s 10,000 flight attendants failed to reach an agreement with the airline.
Peter McCabe / REUTERS

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu met with both the airline and union on Friday night, urging them to work towards a resolution. However, with no progress made, the strike commenced, affecting approximately 130,000 people daily and leaving around 25,000 Canadians stranded abroad each day.

Air Canada has advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on another airline. The airline is offering alternative travel options through other carriers, but availability is limited due to the summer travel peak.

Two Air Canada planes on the tarmac of the Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP via Getty Images

Passengers impacted by the strike can request a full refund through the airline’s website or mobile app. The dispute, centered around pay and unpaid work hours, has been ongoing for about eight months, with both sides still far apart on key issues.

Air Canada’s latest offer included a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, but the union rejected it, citing inflation concerns. As the strike continues, the airline is working to minimize disruptions and assist affected travelers.