The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing Air Canada flight attendants, has issued a 72-hour strike notice, which could lead to a work stoppage starting on August 16, 2024. In response, Air Canada has countered with a 72-hour lockout notice, indicating that it is preparing to suspend flights if the strike proceeds. This situation marks a significant escalation in negotiations, potentially resulting in the first complete operational shutdown of Air Canada due to labor disputes since the airline’s pilots conducted an 11-day strike in 1998.
The anticipated strike would have profound implications for Air Canada’s operations during the busy summer travel season. The airline, along with Air Canada Rouge, serves around 130,000 passengers daily, with about 25,000 of these being travelers returning to Canada from international destinations. Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Rights, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of flight cancellations, which could place further pressure on Air Canada’s resources during this peak period.
Potential Impact on Passengers and Operations
As negotiations have reached an impasse, there are growing concerns about the airline’s ability to accommodate passengers in the event of cancellations. Air Canada may struggle to secure alternative flights for affected travelers, leading to possible disruptions of vacations and family gatherings. The airline has indicated it will provide refunds to those unable to find satisfactory travel arrangements.
Negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada have been ongoing since March 2024, focusing on critical issues, including wages and labor conditions. CUPE has highlighted the inadequacy of junior flight attendant salaries, which are reportedly below the Canadian minimum wage. Analysis suggests that current wages would need to increase by approximately 32 to 34 percent to match the purchasing power of salaries earned in 2014, adjusted for inflation.
One contentious aspect of the negotiations involves the compensation structure for flight attendants. Currently, Air Canada only pays flight attendants when the aircraft’s brakes are released at departure until they are applied upon arrival. CUPE states that flight attendants typically perform about 35 hours of unpaid work each month related to boarding and deplaning duties.
Legislative Efforts and Industry Standards
Efforts to address unpaid work for flight attendants have included legislative measures such as Bill C-415, introduced in October 2024 by NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo. The proposed bill aimed to amend the Canada Labour Code, mandating that employers pay flight attendants for all pre-flight and post-flight duties, as well as for required training. Although the bill received its First Reading in Parliament, it failed to progress further and expired in January 2025. Nonetheless, support for similar legislation remains strong, as evidenced by recent correspondence from the Leader of the Opposition to the Minister of Labour.
In recent years, several airlines have moved to improve pay structures for flight attendants. Notably, Delta Airlines was the first to implement pay for boarding time in 2022, followed by American Airlines in 2024. United Airlines is currently advocating for similar changes in a proposed contract awaiting ratification. In Canada, both Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation have adopted policies to compensate flight attendants for work performed during boarding processes.
Both sides in the negotiations face significant stakes. CUPE has clearly outlined its objectives, emphasizing necessary wage increases to ensure a living wage for junior flight attendants and compensation for unpaid work. This resolve is reflected in a recent vote, where 99.7 percent of CUPE members supported the option to strike if discussions fail.
Air Canada’s negotiation strategy has so far reflected its approach during 2024 talks with pilots, where it relied on government intervention to broker an agreement. As the deadline approaches, with a potential strike looming early on August 16, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the complexities of these negotiations. Previous labor disputes involving Air Canada have often been marked by political intrigue, suggesting that this situation may unfold with similar intensity.
Should a strike occur, estimates indicate that Air Canada could face daily financial losses ranging between $50 million and $60 million. Such losses would likely compel the airline to return to the negotiating table swiftly.
John Gradek, a labor expert, emphasizes that these negotiations present a critical opportunity for CUPE to advocate for improved working conditions and fair compensation for all flight attendants. The ongoing dialogue underscores the broader need for equitable standards within the airline industry.
