Air Canada Flight Attendants Vote for Strike as Early as Next Week
Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if necessary. With 99.7 percent approval, the vote gives CUPE the right to take industrial action starting August 16, 2025, should negotiations fail to result in an agreement. A 72-hour notice would be required before any strike action takes place.
This decision follows months of stalled contract negotiations, with flight attendants pushing for better compensation, particularly for time spent on the ground. CUPE has criticized the current pay structure, where flight attendants are only paid for time spent in-flight despite performing vital tasks such as safety checks and assisting passengers on the ground. Transport Canada mandates these responsibilities, but they are not fully compensated under the current "block time" system.
This system, used by many airlines, means that a flight crew member is considered to be on duty from the moment the aircraft begins to move from its parking position (known as "off-block") until it comes to a complete stop at the destination gate (referred to as "in-block").
However, recently, US flight attendants managed to change this setup. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have introduced boarding pay for their flight attendants. American Airlines flight attendants began receiving boarding pay on April 1, 2025, as part of their new contract. This achievement inspired their Canadian colleagues.
СUPE also highlighted significant disparities in pay. While inflation has increased by 169 percent since 2000, entry-level flight attendants' wages have only grown by 10 percent, leading to wages that fall below the federal minimum wage. CUPE's demands include ending unpaid work and increasing compensation to reflect the rising cost of living.
Air Canada proposed a 32.5 percent increase over four years, including bonuses and benefits, in response to the strike mandate. The airline also agreed to pay for part of the time flight attendants spend on the ground. However, CUPE was skeptical about this offer, suggesting it was more of a public relations move than a genuine offer.
Negotiations are set to resume on Friday, August 8. Both Air Canada and CUPE express a preference for a negotiated settlement. Despite the looming strike deadline, the carrier remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached in time to avoid any disruption.
A potential strike could significantly impact Air Canada's operations, particularly during the busy summer travel season. Travelers are advised to stay updated on the situation through official channels from Air Canada and CUPE.
Earlier, Ryanair baggage handlers announced a nationwide strike in Spain. The strike threatens months of disruption at 12 major Spanish airports.
