UPDATE: Air Canada has grounded all flights as a strike by cabin staff commenced early Saturday, disrupting travel plans for around 130,000 passengers daily. The union representing over 10,000 flight attendants confirmed this 72-hour industrial action started at 00:58 ET (04:58 GMT) today.
The airline has officially suspended operations, including its budget subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, urging travelers to avoid the airport unless flying with another carrier. With approximately 500 flights affected each day, the impact is immediate and severe, forcing many passengers to scramble for alternative arrangements.
Flight attendants are calling for better wages and compensation for time spent on the ground. Air Canada stated it had offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including a 25% raise in the first year. However, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) criticized this offer as “below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage,” claiming it still leaves attendants unpaid for critical hours of work.
The strike was confirmed after a 99.7% vote in favor of industrial action earlier this month, signaling strong support among staff for their demands. The airline has already canceled 623 flights affecting over 100,000 passengers in the lead-up to the strike, creating chaos at major Canadian airports.
Passengers arriving at airports are facing long lines and uncertainty, as many were already attempting to secure new bookings earlier this week. Air Canada expressed regret, stating, “We deeply regret the effect the strike is having on customers.”
In a bid to resolve the situation, Canadian jobs minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to return to negotiations to avoid further disruption. She disclosed that Air Canada had requested her to refer the dispute to binding arbitration, a move CUPE has resisted, asserting they have engaged in good faith negotiations for over eight months.
The strike’s ramifications are being felt across the country, with passengers left stranded and travel plans in disarray. Authorities have advised affected customers to stay updated and seek alternatives for their travel needs as both Air Canada and CUPE navigate this contentious dispute.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Air Canada and the union. Passengers and aviation stakeholders alike are hoping for a swift resolution to restore normal operations. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding crisis.
