Air Canada announced that it will begin resuming flights on Sunday evening after the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered an immediate end to a cabin crew strike that disrupted nearly 700 daily flights and stranded more than 100,000 passengers worldwide. The order followed a directive from Canada’s Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, who moved to resolve the contract impasse through binding arbitration.
The work stoppage left travelers scrambling for alternatives as flights were grounded across North America, Europe, and Asia. Many passengers were left stranded at airports or forced to cancel long-planned holidays. The airline began canceling flights as early as Friday in anticipation of the strike.
Air Canada said operations would gradually return to normal, but passengers should expect continued disruptions over the next 7 to 10 days as the airline works to stabilize its schedule.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu’s directive required binding arbitration to resolve the standoff, a move the airline had long advocated. The government’s order effectively extended the previous collective agreement, which expired on March 31, until a new one is reached.
“The government had no choice but to act in the public interest,” an industry observer noted, highlighting the large-scale impact of the strike on travelers, businesses, and Canada’s reputation for reliability in air transport.
The union’s core demand has centered on compensation for non-flight duties. Cabin crew are currently paid primarily for time when the aircraft is in motion, but not for periods spent on the ground assisting passengers during boarding or between flights. CUPE has maintained that this unpaid labor represents a significant fairness issue for thousands of employees.
Industry experts estimate that over 100,000 passengers were directly impacted during the two-day strike period. Many faced additional expenses on hotels and alternate travel arrangements.
Air Canada acknowledged the inconvenience caused but urged passengers to remain patient as the airline works to restore services.
"Restart of operations will begin immediately, with first flights this evening, but Air Canada expects it will take several days before its operations return to normal," the airline said in its statement early Sunday. "During this process, some flights will be canceled over the next 7 to 10 days until the schedule is stabilized. Air Canada deeply regrets the inconvenience for its customers."
Experts noted that the government’s quick intervention reflected the high stakes for Canada’s largest airline, which plays a critical role in both domestic and international connectivity.
Air Canada management has indicated a willingness to engage constructively in arbitration, while CUPE has reiterated its disappointment but pledged to continue pressing its case.
Passengers, meanwhile, are advised to check flight status regularly and expect residual delays as schedules are gradually rebuilt. Industry analysts believe the airline could take up to two weeks to fully restore normal operations.
The union’s primary demand was compensation for time spent on the ground between flights and during passenger boarding, work for which flight attendants are not currently paid.
Air Canada Strike: Directive Brings Relief
The CIRB directed Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge to resume operations and for all flight attendants to report back to duty by 2 p.m. ET (1800 GMT), as per a report by Reuters. The intervention came less than 48 hours after thousands of cabin crew walked off the job on Saturday, staging their first strike since 1985.The work stoppage left travelers scrambling for alternatives as flights were grounded across North America, Europe, and Asia. Many passengers were left stranded at airports or forced to cancel long-planned holidays. The airline began canceling flights as early as Friday in anticipation of the strike.
Air Canada said operations would gradually return to normal, but passengers should expect continued disruptions over the next 7 to 10 days as the airline works to stabilize its schedule.
Government Steps In to End the Air Canada Strike
The strike came after months of unsuccessful negotiations between Air Canada management and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 9,500 flight attendants. The government’s decision to intervene was seen as a response to growing concerns over the economic and social fallout of the dispute.Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu’s directive required binding arbitration to resolve the standoff, a move the airline had long advocated. The government’s order effectively extended the previous collective agreement, which expired on March 31, until a new one is reached.
“The government had no choice but to act in the public interest,” an industry observer noted, highlighting the large-scale impact of the strike on travelers, businesses, and Canada’s reputation for reliability in air transport.
Air Canada Strike: Union opposition to binding arbitration
While the government’s move was welcomed by the airline, it faced strong resistance from the flight attendants’ union. CUPE argued that binding arbitration weakens the union’s bargaining power and removes the pressure on Air Canada to negotiate in good faith.The union’s core demand has centered on compensation for non-flight duties. Cabin crew are currently paid primarily for time when the aircraft is in motion, but not for periods spent on the ground assisting passengers during boarding or between flights. CUPE has maintained that this unpaid labor represents a significant fairness issue for thousands of employees.
Air Canada Strike: Passengers left in limbo during protest
The Air Canada strike caused immediate and widespread disruption for travelers. Airports in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver reported long lines and confusion as passengers sought rebooking or refunds. International travelers were particularly affected, with limited options to re-route through other carriers at short notice.Industry experts estimate that over 100,000 passengers were directly impacted during the two-day strike period. Many faced additional expenses on hotels and alternate travel arrangements.
Air Canada acknowledged the inconvenience caused but urged passengers to remain patient as the airline works to restore services.
"Restart of operations will begin immediately, with first flights this evening, but Air Canada expects it will take several days before its operations return to normal," the airline said in its statement early Sunday. "During this process, some flights will be canceled over the next 7 to 10 days until the schedule is stabilized. Air Canada deeply regrets the inconvenience for its customers."
Air Canada Strike: Historic Strike and Its Broader Implications
The walkout marked the first strike by Air Canada cabin crew since 1985, underlining the deep frustration among flight attendants after years of negotiations. It also exposed the fragile balance between labor rights and the public’s reliance on essential transportation services.Experts noted that the government’s quick intervention reflected the high stakes for Canada’s largest airline, which plays a critical role in both domestic and international connectivity.
Air Canada Strike: Next steps for Air Canada and its employees
While flights are resuming, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The CIRB’s order ensures that operations continue while arbitration proceedings determine the terms of a new contract. For now, the terms of the expired agreement remain in effect.Air Canada management has indicated a willingness to engage constructively in arbitration, while CUPE has reiterated its disappointment but pledged to continue pressing its case.
Passengers, meanwhile, are advised to check flight status regularly and expect residual delays as schedules are gradually rebuilt. Industry analysts believe the airline could take up to two weeks to fully restore normal operations.
