Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Threatens Thousands of Flights: Latest Updates & Passenger Rights

Update: Strike at Air Canada Grounds Thousands of Passengers as Flight Attendants Defy Back-to-Work Order MONTREAL—Air Canada’s 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job early Saturday, triggering one of the largest airline disruptions Canada has seen in a decade. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the cabin-crew workforce, rejected a Canada Industrial Relations Board directive to return to work, calling the ruling “unconstitutional” and vowing to remain on picket lines until a “fair deal” is reached. Why the Flight Attendants Are Striking • Unpaid ground time: Attendants are paid only while the aircraft is moving; the union wants compensation for boarding and turnaround duties. • Inflation-linked raises: CUPE says current wage proposals lag far behind the cost of living. • Scheduling and fatigue: Crews argue that long duty days and quick turnarounds compromise safety. Impact on Air Canada Operations Air Canada canceled or delayed most of its 700 daily flights, affecting more than 100,000 travelers over the weekend. The carrier had planned a gradual restart Sunday afternoon but pushed the target to Monday evening after the union ignored the back-to-work order. Airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary reported crowded terminals as stranded customers scrambled for alternative flights or refunds. Passenger Rights: What You Need to Know Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), travelers whose flights are canceled because of a labor dispute at the airline are entitled to: 1. Rebooking on the next available Air Canada flight or on a competing carrier at no extra cost. 2. Refunds if the trip no longer serves its purpose. 3. Meals, hotel rooms, and ground transportation for delays that extend overnight. Government Response Labour Minister Patty Hajdu asked the CIRB to impose binding arbitration, arguing the walkout threatens “significant economic harm.” Legal experts note that refusing a back-to-work order can carry hefty fines and potential jail time for union leaders, but such confrontations are rare and often resolved through negotiation. What Happens Next? • Talks could resume if both sides agree to mediation during arbitration. • If the strike continues, Ottawa may introduce emergency legislation when Parliament reconvenes on September 15. • Travel demand is expected to spill over to WestJet, Porter, and U.S. carriers serving Canadian hubs, likely driving up last-minute fares. Tips for Affected Travelers • Check flight status frequently and sign up for text alerts. • Hold off on canceling connecting hotel or car rentals until rebooking is confirmed to preserve insurance coverage. • Keep receipts for meals and accommodations; Air Canada requires documentation for reimbursement claims. SEO Keywords Incorporated: Air Canada strike, flight attendants, Air Canada flight cancellations, CUPE strike, passenger rights, back-to-work order, arbitration, airport delays, travel disruption 2025. Stay tuned for real-time updates as negotiations evolve and flight schedules adjust throughout the week.