Canada’s national airline, Air Canada, has temporarily suspended all flights after cabin crew launched a strike demanding higher wages and other benefits. Approximately 130,000 passengers are affected daily by this disruption.
The strike has also grounded flights of Air Canada Rouge, the airline’s budget subsidiary. However, flights operated by Air Canada Jazz, Air Canada Express, and PAL Airlines remain unaffected.
The strike began at 12:58 a.m. local time on Saturday. Even before the official start, Air Canada had already limited flight operations, with over 500 flights being canceled daily on average.
Cabin crew members have complained that while they receive pay during flight time, they are not compensated for boarding, preparation, or in-flight assistance duties. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) stated that the airline’s proposed four-year contract, which includes a 38% pay increase, is insufficient compared to market rates and the minimum wage.
Earlier this month, 99.7% of union members voted in favor of the strike, highlighting the depth of worker dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Employment Minister, Patty Hajdu, has urged both parties to return to negotiations. She noted that Air Canada, with government support, has offered mediation or arbitration. However, the union claims that after eight months of discussions, Air Canada is trying to unilaterally proceed with the government-determined arbitration process.
The airline has asked passengers not to contact alternative airlines directly or visit airports and has apologized for the temporary inconvenience.
Air Canada, which operates flights to over 180 cities worldwide, faces concerns that this crisis could significantly impact not only domestic travel but also international connectivity.