Air Canada Strike 2025: Flight Attendants Defy Back-to-Work Order, Thousands of Flights Canceled

Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions |

The Air Canada flight attendants strike has now entered its second day, with workers defying a government back-to-work order and continuing their walkout. The labour dispute, which began just after midnight on August 16, 2025, has already grounded hundreds of flights and disrupted travel for well over 100,000 passengers daily.

Why Flight Attendants Are on Strike

Roughly 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are demanding fairer pay and recognition for unpaid duties such as boarding and safety checks. CUPE estimates attendants spend more than 30 hours each month on tasks not covered by wages, and says Air Canada’s latest offer fails to match inflation and leaves some members effectively earning less than minimum wage.

Air Canada disputes these claims, pointing to a proposed 38% compensation increase over four years, including an immediate 8% raise. The airline argues its package is competitive and has urged the union to accept binding arbitration to resolve the conflict quickly.

Government Orders and Union Defiance

As the strike stretched into its second day, Labour Minister Patty Hajdu directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order attendants back to work under binding arbitration. The CIRB set a deadline of 2:00 p.m. on August 17, but CUPE refused, calling the directive unconstitutional and a violation of workers’ rights. The union has also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving the CIRB chair’s past work with Air Canada.

Passenger Impact Grows

The strike’s effects have intensified heading into day two. Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary Rouge have canceled up to 700 flights in a single day, with more cancellations expected until service resumes. Regional flights under Air Canada Express continue, but alternative options remain scarce at the height of the summer travel season.

The airline has warned passengers not to go to airports unless they have confirmed tickets. Refunds and rebooking are available, but demand is overwhelming, leaving many stranded or forced to make costly last-minute changes.

What Happens Next

With no resolution in sight, the strike continues into its second day, and Air Canada has delayed its planned restart of flights. The federal government insists arbitration is the only way forward, while CUPE says it remains open to negotiation but will not accept terms it views as unjust.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Canada’s airline industry over pay, working conditions, and the balance between labour rights and essential public services. For passengers and employees alike, the standoff means continued uncertainty.

The strike has entered its second day, and further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds

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