Air Canada has started cancelling flights from Thursday, ahead of a possible strike by more than 10,000 flight attendants, which could begin early Saturday morning.
According to a CBC report, the strike
may impact up to 130,000 passengers daily.
The cancellations are part of a gradual shutdown — starting Thursday, ramping up on Friday, and potentially leading to a complete halt of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights over the weekend.
However, Air Canada Express services, operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines, are expected to run normally, as per Economic Times.
Why the Strike?
The strike notice was issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) after months of negotiations with the airline reached an impasse. The dispute centres on wages and working conditions.
Air Canada has offered a 38% rise in overall compensation, but CUPE says this still fails to match inflation. The union rejected the airline’s proposal for binding interest arbitration, instead pushing for direct bargaining.
When Will It Start?
Flight attendants could begin their walkout at 12:58 a.m. ET on Saturday. Air Canada has announced it will respond with a lockout from 1:30 a.m. ET the same day.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
The airline is offering passengers who booked flights between 15–18 August — purchased no later than 13 August — the option to reschedule free of charge for travel between 21 August and 12 September.
If flights are cancelled, Air Canada says it will try to rebook passengers on the first available flight, including with partner airlines. Refunds are also available, but the airline warns that summer seat availability will be tight.
What Is the Airline Saying?
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said the airline regrets the disruption and its impact on customers. The airline had proposed binding interest arbitration to resolve the dispute, but the union declined.
Christophe Hennebelles, Air Canada’s vice-president of corporate communications, admitted there was still “a huge gap” between the union’s demands and what the company could offer.
