MONTREAL – The nationwide travel chaos caused by the Air Canada flight attendants' strike has deepened as the union representing the workers has defied a federal government order to return to work, leading the airline to suspend its plans for a partial resumption of operations.
The strike, which began early Saturday morning, has grounded all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, affecting an estimated 130,000 passengers daily during the peak summer travel season. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 flight attendants, initiated the walkout after eight months of failed negotiations with the airline.
In a swift and unprecedented move, the federal government, through Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, intervened less than 12 hours after the strike began, ordering the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose binding arbitration and direct the workers to return to their jobs. Air Canada had initially announced it would begin a gradual resumption of flights on Sunday evening in response to the order.
However, in a move the airline has since called "illegal," CUPE declared it would not comply with the government's directive. In a statement, the union called the order "blatantly unconstitutional" and a violation of the Charter rights of its members, claiming it was an overreach by the government to side with the corporation.
"We will be challenging this blatantly unconstitutional order that violates the Charter rights of 10,000 flight attendants, 70 percent of whom are women, and 100 percent of whom are forced to do hours of unpaid work by their employer every time they come to work," the union said.
The defiant stance from the union has left Air Canada in a state of operational limbo. The airline has cancelled its plan to restart flights and has informed passengers that all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights remain suspended until further notice.
The dispute centres on wages and compensation for unpaid ground duties. CUPE has argued that Air Canada's latest offer, while including a significant wage increase, is "below inflation and below market value." The union is also seeking to be compensated for work performed on the ground, such as assisting with boarding, which it says is currently unpaid. Air Canada has countered that its offer would make its flight attendants the "best compensated in Canada."
The ongoing strike and the union's refusal to obey the back-to-work order have created a logistical nightmare for travellers. Airports across the country, particularly major hubs like Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau, have seen scenes of frustration and confusion as thousands of passengers are left stranded. Air Canada has advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking on another airline.
While regional services under Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, remain operational, the complete shutdown of the main fleet has a significant impact on both domestic and international travel. The ripple effect on the economy is a growing concern, with the Business Council of Canada warning of "immediate and extensive harm" to the economy.
With both sides entrenched in their positions, the duration of the strike and its ultimate resolution remain unclear. As the legal battle over the government's order is expected to unfold, passengers and businesses are bracing for a prolonged period of disruption.