Many Air Canada flight attendants have been fighting to have their concerns heard, and they have kept up that pressure for weeks. Unfortunately, the dispute has caused real inconvenience for many travelers, who have faced uncertainty and last-minute changes to their plans. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has confirmed that workers will continue to strike even though the federal government has ordered staff to return to work, a move the union views as unresponsive to the core issues.
Why the Strike Continues
Air Canada workers walked off the job after demanding better pay and better working conditions. CUPE members say cabin crews have been under steady pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic, citing reduced staffing levels, heavier workloads on remaining crews, and wages that have not kept up with the costs of today’s economy. From their perspective, these are not short-term complaints but long-simmering problems that the carrier and policymakers have not fully addressed.
The Canadian government then issued an order for staff to return to work, highlighting that the strike has affected travelers and the broader economy. However, union members oppose the order, arguing that forcing flight attendants back on duty does nothing to solve the underlying problems. In their view, a return-to-work mandate only papers over the conflict and delays meaningful negotiations about pay, staffing, and schedules.
Impact on Flights and Travelers
As a result of the strike, there have been multiple flight cancellations and delays across both domestic and international routes. Some days have been worse than others, but the pattern has been consistent: disrupted schedules, unpredictable departure boards, and last-minute gate changes that ripple through connecting flights.
Numerous travelers have complained about long lines at airport customer service desks, a lack of viable booking options, and uncertainty regarding refunds or future travel credits. In several cases, passengers have been left stranded overnight by cancellations that came after most other options had already departed. Even when seats are available, rebooking can be complicated by limited staffing and high call volumes.
Arbitration Process Begins
To resolve the dispute, the government has requested arbitration. In practical terms, arbitration brings in a neutral third party—someone who does not take either side—to analyze the issues, evaluate proposals, and recommend a binding or semi-binding solution, depending on the framework used. The goal is to provide a quicker, more structured resolution rather than spending additional weeks locked in stop-start negotiations.
Even with arbitration on the table, workers worry that their concerns may be addressed only partially or not at all. The process could result in compromises that fail to reflect the day-to-day realities crews describe. At the same time, Air Canada faces the possibility that arbitration outcomes increase operational costs just as the airline is still recovering from pandemic-era losses.
Air Canada is working to steady operations, but it is also managing new expenses tied to stranded passengers, canceled flights, hotel vouchers, meal credits, and any compensation owed under applicable rules. Layer on top the administrative burden of handling claims, and the financial pressure is easy to see.
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you are scheduled to fly with Air Canada in the coming days, the following steps can help:
- Keep checking your flight status. Even if your ticket shows “confirmed,” schedules are changing rapidly. Use the Air Canada app or website for the latest updates and opt in to alerts.
- Consider nearby airports. Look for flights from other cities within driving distance where disruption may be less severe.
- Ask about rebooking options. Air Canada has implemented policies that allow many passengers to rebook without additional costs during the disruption window.
- Know your refund rights. If your flight is canceled, you may be entitled to a full refund—review the carrier’s policies and your fare rules.
- Be prepared for longer lines. With fewer staff available, expect longer waits at check-in, bag drop, and customer service.
Bigger Implications
Across the aviation industry, workers have pushed for improved conditions, including better wages and more predictable shift schedules. Pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff in multiple countries have staged protests or strikes in pursuit of those goals. In Canada, this strike underscores a broader reality: even if forced arbitration can halt a work stoppage, future conflicts are likely if the root causes—compensation, staffing levels, and fatigue—remain unresolved.
Looking Ahead
Travelers may continue to experience delays and scattered cancellations while the arbitration process plays out, since these proceedings take time. That said, Air Canada says it is working to restore normal operations as quickly as it can and to reduce the day-to-day impact on customers.
During this period, the most practical advice is simple: check for updates frequently, keep your contact information current with the airline, and arrive at the airport earlier than usual. With a bit of preparation—and continued progress at the bargaining table—disruption should gradually ease.