Air Canada flight attendants, represented by CUPE, may strike as early as August 2025 after contract negotiations stalled. Over 10,000 attendants cite low wages and unpaid work as major issues. Entry-level pay reportedly stands at CAD 1,951.30 per month, which the union calls unsustainable in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Conciliation with the federal government has begun, with a timeline of 60 days for negotiation, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period, and a possible 72-hour strike notice, making early August the earliest potential strike date.
CUPE argues the 2015 contract is outdated, with flight attendants performing an estimated 35 hours of unpaid work monthly. Unpaid duties include pre-flight safety inspections, checking emergency equipment, and addressing mechanical or weather concerns.
A strike could disrupt thousands of flights, especially from Air Canada’s major hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, causing cancellations, delays, and increased pressure on competitors. Travelers are advised to prepare for possible disruptions.
Source: Swifteradio.com
