UPDATE: Air Canada has suspended all its flights due to a strike by cabin staff, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily. The strike, confirmed by the union representing over 10,000 flight attendants, began at 00:58 ET (04:58 GMT) on Saturday and will last for 72 hours.
The airline has advised affected customers to avoid traveling to the airport unless they are flying with a different airline. Air Canada, which operates flights to 180 cities worldwide, is expected to see around 500 flights grounded each day. This urgent disruption comes as flight attendants demand higher salaries and fair compensation for work performed while aircraft are on the ground.
Air Canada has expressed regret over the impact of the strike on its customers, stating, “We have suspended all operations.” In addition to Air Canada flights, the airline’s budget arm, Air Canada Rouge, is also impacted. However, flights operated by Air Canada Jazz, PAL Airlines, and Air Canada Express remain unaffected.
Prior to the strike, Air Canada had already canceled 623 flights, impacting more than 100,000 passengers. The airline’s management offered flight attendants a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including a 25% raise in the first year. However, the union, CUPE, criticized this proposal, calling it “below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage.”
The union has been negotiating for over eight months and asserts that Air Canada has not engaged in good faith talks. Earlier this month, an overwhelming 99.7% of union members voted in favor of a strike. Canadian jobs minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to return to the bargaining table to avoid this situation.
As passengers flock to major Canadian airports to secure new bookings, the strike is creating a significant ripple effect across the travel industry. With many travelers uncertain about their plans, the urgency for a resolution is palpable.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the next steps will likely depend on both parties’ willingness to negotiate. As the strike unfolds, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status and alternative travel options.
This developing story is expected to impact not just Air Canada, but the broader aviation landscape as negotiations continue. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.