Air Canada Strikes: Flight Attendants Go on Strike over Wage Increase

Significant Disruptions Due to Air Canada Strikes

Air Canada is facing severe operational challenges as flight attendants initiated a strike starting at 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday. The decision comes after failed negotiations regarding wage increases, leading to over 10,000 attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) opting to halt operations.

Impact on Travelers

• Approximately 500 flights canceled on Friday, including at least 128 domestic and 194 international flights.
• Travelers were informed via email/text about cancellations, with ongoing updates from the airline.
• Passengers are being rebooked on alternate airlines, although options are limited due to the peak summer travel season.

Air Canada's Response

In a statement, Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, expressed regret over the disruptions and emphasized the need for responsible operational decisions amid the ongoing strike. Air Canada proposed third-party arbitration as a potential solution and criticized CUPE for rejecting a 38% pay increase offer over four years.

Ongoing Negotiations

CUPE argues that the proposed salary raise does not sufficiently account for inflation, disputing Air Canada’s bargaining conduct. Moving forward, the airline underscores the urgency of resolving these issues to minimize impact on travelers, businesses, and the Canadian economy.

Alternative Options

While major disruptions are reported for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, regional flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines continue to function normally, ensuring some travel options remain open for approximately 20% of daily customers.