Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike Continues Amid Negotiations

The ongoing strike by flight attendants at Air Canada has entered a critical phase as negotiations resume. The Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced on the evening of August 18, 2025, that discussions with the airline began with the help of mediator William Kaplan in Toronto. Despite the renewed talks, the union confirmed that the strike remains active, stating, “the talks have just commenced.”

In a statement to its members, CUPE indicated that the airline had reached out to facilitate progress in their pursuit of a fair deal to end the strike, which has severely disrupted flight schedules. Air Canada’s Chief Operating Officer previously asserted that flight attendants must return to work to advance negotiations, a condition the union has firmly rejected. CUPE maintains that it will not cease its industrial action until an agreement is finalized at the bargaining table.

Government Intervention and Flight Cancellations

The situation escalated over the weekend when union officials defied an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board to return to work. This order was issued after the federal government invoked Section 107 of the Labour Code, seeking to compel both parties into binding arbitration. CUPE’s resistance to this order highlights the ongoing tensions between the union and the airline.

In response to the strike, Air Canada announced the extension of flight cancellations, affecting all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights through 16:00 ET on Tuesday, affecting thousands of passengers. The airline has been working to manage the operational challenges posed by the walkout, which has grounded planes and left many travelers stranded.

As both sides continue discussions, the outcome remains uncertain. With the strike still in effect, the focus will shift to the effectiveness of mediation efforts and the possibility of reaching an agreement that satisfies both the airline and its employees. The unfolding developments will be closely monitored as the situation impacts not only airline operations but also the livelihoods of the flight attendants involved.