As of August 18, 2025, Air Canada continues to face significant operational disruptions due to an ongoing strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees . The strike, which began on August 16, has led to the grounding of hundreds of flights, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily during the peak summer travel season.
The labor dispute centers on CUPE’s demands for improved wages and compensation for ground duties, such as boarding passengers, for which attendants are currently not paid. The union argues that the existing compensation does not reflect the full scope of their responsibilities.
In response to the strike, the Canadian government intervened by directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to issue a back-to-work order. The CIRB mandated that flight attendants return to work by 2 p.m. on August 17. However, CUPE has defied this order, labeling it unconstitutional and vowing to continue the strike.
Air Canada initially planned to resume limited operations on August 17 but suspended these plans after CUPE’s defiance of the return-to-work order. The airline now intends to restart flights on August 18, pending the resolution of the labor dispute.
The situation has led to widespread travel disruptions, with passengers experiencing cancellations and delays. Air Canada has advised affected travelers to seek alternative arrangements and has offered refunds and rebooking options where possible.
The ongoing strike and legal challenges underscore the complexities of labor relations within Canada’s aviation industry. Both Air Canada and CUPE have expressed a desire to resolve the dispute, but significant differences remain regarding compensation and working conditions.
As the situation develops, passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official Air Canada communications and to plan their travel accordingly.
