Air Canada Grounds All Flights as Cabin Crew Strike Begins
Air Canada has suspended all flights nationwide as more than 10,000 cabin crew members walked off the job early Saturday morning, grounding hundreds of flights and disrupting travel plans for an estimated 130,000 passengers per day.
The strike, led by the flight attendants’ union, is the latest development in a tense labour dispute over wages and working conditions. Among the union’s demands are higher salaries and compensation for work performed while aircraft are on the ground a point the union says has long gone unaddressed.
Travel Disruption Across the Country
The work stoppage affects all Air Canada flights, including those operated by its low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge. The airline issued a notice advising customers not to travel to the airport unless flying with another carrier.
“We regret the impact this strike will have on our customers,” said an Air Canada spokesperson. “We are working to assist passengers and provide rebooking options where possible.”
The airline has not given a timeline for when operations will resume.
Government Urges Talks to Resume
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu weighed in on Saturday, urging both Air Canada and the union to return to negotiations.
“I’m calling on both parties to get back to the table and finish this deal,” Hajdu said. “Canadians need reliable air service, and workers deserve fair treatment.”
The labour dispute follows months of negotiations that have so far failed to yield an agreement. The union had previously warned of strike action if a new contract was not reached by mid-August.
What Passengers Need to Know
Affected travelers are being asked to check their flight status on Air Canada’s website or contact the airline directly. Officials have warned that airport terminals could face crowding and delays, even as planes remain grounded.
Industry Impact
The strike comes at the height of Canada’s summer travel season, when airports are typically at their busiest. Analysts warn that the work stoppage could have a ripple effect across the aviation and tourism sectors.
