Air Canada flight attendants have issued a 72-hour strike notice, signalling the potential for a work stoppage on August 16, 2024. In response, the airline has prepared for a shutdown by issuing its own 72-hour lock-out notice, indicating that it may suspend flights if the situation escalates. This series of events marks the first complete shutdown of Air Canada due to labour disputes since the pilots’ strike in 1998.
The timing of these negotiations is critical, as the summer travel season is in full swing. Air Canada and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, transport approximately 130,000 passengers daily. Among these, around 25,000 are travelers returning to Canada from international destinations. Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Rights, airlines must compensate passengers in the event of cancellations, which could lead to significant disruptions for those relying on Air Canada for their summer plans.
The current negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached an impasse, primarily over wages and working conditions. Since negotiations began in March, CUPE has highlighted that junior flight attendants earn salaries that fall significantly below the Canadian minimum wage. To address inflation, current wages would need to increase by around 32 to 34 percent to match the purchasing power from 2014.
One of the central issues raised by CUPE is the lack of compensation for flight attendants during pre-flight and post-flight duties. According to the union, flight attendants typically perform about 35 hours of unpaid work each month, as they are only paid from the moment the aircraft’s brakes are released at departure until they are applied upon arrival. This practice has been a point of contention, leading to previous legislative attempts to rectify the situation.
In October 2024, Bill C-415 was introduced by NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo, which aimed to amend the Canada Labour Code to ensure that flight attendants are paid for all hours worked, including mandatory training. Although the bill received its First Reading, it did not progress and expired at the end of the parliamentary session in January 2025. Nonetheless, support for such legislation continues, evidenced by a recent letter from the Leader of the Opposition to the Minister of Labour.
The issue of unpaid work for flight attendants is not exclusive to Canada. Other airlines have taken steps to address similar concerns. For instance, Delta Airlines was the first to implement comprehensive pay structures beyond traditional flight pay in 2022, followed by American Airlines in 2024. Additionally, United Airlines has proposed a similar contract awaiting ratification, while Canadian carriers like Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation have begun compensating flight attendants for boarding activities.
The stakes are high for both CUPE and Air Canada as negotiations continue. CUPE has made clear its objectives, advocating for wage increases to secure living wages for its members. This push has garnered significant support, reflected in a 99.7 percent vote in favour of a strike if negotiations do not yield results.
Air Canada’s negotiation strategy appears to mirror its previous dealings with pilots, where government intervention played a role in facilitating an agreement. As the deadline approaches on August 16, both parties are under pressure to reach a resolution. In the event of a strike, Air Canada could face financial losses of between $50 to $60 million daily, likely prompting a swift return to the negotiating table.
The outcome of these negotiations not only affects flight attendants but also has broader implications for air travel in Canada during one of the busiest travel periods. The need for equitable workplace standards is increasingly evident, and the pressure is mounting for Air Canada to address these critical issues before a strike occurs.
