London, UK – August 17, 2025
Defying back-to-work orders, Air Canada flight attendants have remained on strike, leading to a prolonged standoff with the government and leaving thousands of passengers stranded during the peak summer travel season. The walkout, which began on Saturday, has paralyzed Canada’s largest airline, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 flight attendants, initiated the strike after months of stalled negotiations over a new contract. The union is demanding higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground duties, such as time spent boarding and deplaning. Air Canada had proposed a significant pay increase, but the union rejected it, calling the offer “below inflation” and insufficient to address their core concerns.
In a swift and controversial move, the Canadian government intervened, ordering the flight attendants to return to work less than 12 hours after the strike began. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu stated that the work stoppage posed an immediate and extensive risk to the economy, citing a need to avoid further disruption. The government’s order referred the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which extended the existing collective agreement until an arbitrator can decide on a new one.
However, the union has vowed to continue its strike and is challenging the government’s order, calling it “unconstitutional.” The union argues that the government is siding with the airline and violating their right to take job action. This defiance has created an unprecedented legal and logistical crisis, with the airline suspending its planned restart of operations.
The ongoing disruption has had a significant impact on travelers. Air Canada, which normally operates about 700 daily flights, has been forced to suspend most of its services, affecting an estimated 130,000 passengers per day. Travelers have been left scrambling to rebook flights or find alternate transportation, with many facing long delays and unexpected expenses. The airline has offered full refunds and rebooking options, but the chaos at airports across the country and abroad continues. The strike has highlighted the critical role of airline staff in the global economy and the far-reaching consequences of labor disputes.
Headline Points
* Union Defies Order: The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has refused to comply with a government order to end the Air Canada strike.
* Massive Disruption: The strike has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, stranding thousands of passengers during a busy travel period.
* Core Demands: The union’s main issues are wage increases that keep pace with inflation and compensation for unpaid ground duties.
* Government Intervention: The Canadian government stepped in and ordered an end to the strike, citing economic risks.
* Legal Challenge: The union has deemed the government’s order unconstitutional and is challenging it in court.
