Air Canada has announced it will begin a gradual suspension of flights starting Thursday in anticipation of a potential strike by its flight attendants this weekend. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents over 10,000 flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday, with a work stoppage possible as early as Saturday, August 16. In response, Air Canada has issued a lockout notice and will begin an “orderly shutdown” of operations to mitigate the impact on travelers.
The dispute stems from ongoing contract negotiations that have been at an impasse for months. According to CUPE, the main sticking points are what they describe as “poverty wages” and unpaid labor, as flight attendants are not compensated for pre-flight and post-flight duties. The union rejected an offer from Air Canada that it says did not keep up with inflation and was below industry standards.
In its own statement, Air Canada claims it has offered a “revised comprehensive proposal” that includes a 38% total compensation increase over four years, along with provisions for ground pay and other benefits. The airline also proposed binding arbitration to resolve the dispute, which the union rejected, preferring to negotiate a deal its members can vote on. Air Canada is now seeking government-directed arbitration.
The planned shutdown will affect all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, with cancellations starting on Thursday, escalating on Friday, and a full cessation of flying by Saturday. Air Canada Express flights, operated by partners like Jazz and PAL Airlines, are not affected. Customers with cancelled flights will be notified and are eligible for a full refund or can rebook their travel at no additional cost. Air Canada advises customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed, operating flight.