The Air Canada strike has escalated after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants refused to comply with a back-to-work order issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The labor dispute has disrupted approximately 130,000 passengers daily at the height of the summer travel season.
The CIRB had ordered flight attendants to return to work by 2 p.m. Sunday, following federal government intervention. Initially, Air Canada said it would resume operations Sunday evening. However, the airline later announced flights would not restart until Monday evening due to the union’s refusal to comply.
Union Leaders Reject Order
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) national president Mark Hancock made the union’s position clear outside Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. He ripped up a copy of the back-to-work order in front of striking members, declaring, “Our members are not going back to work.”
Hancock criticized the process as “unfair” and signaled that CUPE would legally challenge what it calls an unconstitutional order. Despite the CIRB directive, he confirmed workers would remain off the job into Tuesday, keeping picket lines active at major airports.
Government Intervention in the Air Canada Strike
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu referred the matter to the CIRB less than 12 hours after the strike began, arguing that the walkout posed risks to the Canadian economy. The minister highlighted the strain caused by U.S. tariffs and said disruptions of this magnitude could not be tolerated during peak travel months.
Air Canada, which operates around 700 flights daily, confirmed the CIRB has extended the terms of the current collective agreement until arbitration resolves the dispute.
Passengers Caught in the Middle
The Air Canada strike left thousands of travelers scrambling for alternatives. Tourist Mel Durston, visiting from southern England, said her family’s plans to visit the Rockies may be abandoned. “We might have to head straight back,” she admitted.
James Hart and Zahara Virani, visiting Toronto from Calgary, paid nearly CAD $2,600 to rebook with another airline after their flight was canceled. Despite the financial hit, Virani expressed support for the workers. “What they’re asking for is not unreasonable whatsoever,” she said.
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Contract Dispute at the Heart of the Air Canada Strike
Air Canada and CUPE have been in negotiations for eight months but remain far apart on key issues, particularly wages and unpaid work when planes are on the ground.
Air Canada’s latest offer included a 38% boost in total compensation, including benefits and pensions, over four years. The company argued this would make its flight attendants the best compensated in Canada. However, the union rejected the deal, saying the proposed 8% raise in the first year failed to keep pace with inflation.
Refunds and Alternatives for Stranded Travelers
Air Canada stated that passengers affected by the strike can request full refunds through its website or mobile app. The airline is also attempting to rebook travelers on other Canadian and international carriers, but cautioned that availability is limited due to the summer travel surge.
