Air Canada to resume flights after govt directive ends strike
Air Canada Flight Attendants End Strike – Cancellations Expected for Weeks
Air Canada has announced a return to operations following a decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board that ordered the cessation of a strike involving 10,000 cabin crew. The airline will resume flights on Sunday evening, although full normalcy will take several days.
Key Points of the Directive
- CIRB Order: Mandates the airline to restart operations by 14:00 EDT on August 17, 2025, for both Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants.
- Residual Impact: The carrier warning that some flights may still be cancelled for the next seven to ten days.
- Government Action: Labor policy minister Patty Hajdu invoked section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to halt the strike and force a binding arbitration.
Union Demands and Response
CUPE’s Position: The union representing the workers requested wage increases and compensation for unremunerated ground duties, including boarding procedures. CUPE had said it would remain on strike until a formal government order was issued to return to work.
Government Intervention Criticism: The union condemned the government’s intervention as “rewarding Air Canada’s refusal to negotiate fairly by giving them exactly what they wanted,” calling it a “terrible precedent.” They also highlighted a potential conflict of interest involving Maryse Tremblay, the CIRB chairwoman who previously served as legal counsel for Air Canada.
Air Canada’s Offer Details
Air Canada detailed the compensation package offered to cabin crew. On average, a senior flight attendant is expected to earn CN$87,000 (US$65,000) by 2027. CUPE described the proposed wages as falling “below inflation (and) below market value.”
Economic Context and Passengers
- Business Council Warning: Prior to the strike, the Business Council of Canada warned that an Air Canada work stoppage would exacerbate economic tensions, already amplified by tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
- Passenger Volume: Air Canada serves roughly 130,000 daily passengers and operates direct flights to 180 cities worldwide.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status and consider alternative travel arrangements during the strike duration. Air Canada will keep the public updated as operations gradually normalize.
