Talks between Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants regarding a new contract broke down earlier this week, putting the possibility of a strike on the table. Now there is an update, and its not good news for passengers.
Air Canada Flight Attendant Union Issues Strike Warning
Earlier today the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the union representing 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, provided notice to the airline that it intends to begin a strike.
In response, the airline has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union. To avoid the chaos of an unplanned work stoppage, the airline will begin winding down most operations starting over the next three days. All mainline and Rouge flights will be cancelled beginning August 16, 2025 if no deal is reached.
The move comes after eight months of negotiations, federal mediation, and a rejected offer of binding arbitration. Air Canada’s latest proposal included a 38% total compensation increase over four years, plus improvements to pensions, benefits, crew rest, and ground pay, with no concessions requested from the union. CUPE has rejected the offer, and the airline has formally requested the Canadian government step in with binding arbitration under the Canada Labor Code.
Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada, said this about the situation:
“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve. However, the disappointing conduct of CUPE’s negotiators and the union’s stated intention to launch a strike puts us in a position where our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada’s and Air Canada Rouge’s operations through a lockout. As we have seen elsewhere in our industry with other labor disruptions, unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travelers that is far, far worse.”
What Passengers Need to Know
First, it is important for passengers to understand the full scale of the disruption and what will and won’t be operating. All mainline Air Canada flights and all Air Canada Rouge flights will be cancelled as of August 16, 2025 if no agreement can be reached. The first cancellations begin August 14, with more on August 15, leading up to the cessation of operations.
Air Canada Express flights, which are operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines, will continue unaffected. These flights transport roughly 20% of the carriers daily passengers.
Even if one of your flights is operational, connecting itineraries may be affected so the airline is urging passengers not to go to the airport unless their flight is confirmed and operating. Check aircanada.com or the Air Canada mobile app before leaving for the airport, and expect longer call center wait times.
Customers with canceled flights will receive a full refund and, if possible, be rebooked on other carriers. However, due to peak summer demand, alternative flight options may be limited. Passengers can proactively rebook their flights with no-fee.
It’s important to note that, under Canada’s Airline Passenger Protection Regulations, customers in Canada are not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels or other incidental expenses for situations outside the carrier’s control such as a labor disruption, which includes a strike or lockout.
Summary
Air Canada is preparing for a strike by its flight attendant union by winding down operations for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge. Unless an agreement is reached, all flights will cease operations as of August 16, 2025. Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines are not affected and will continue to operate.
