Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Government Order

Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Government Order

Air Canada is in big trouble right now. Flight attendants walked off the job over the weekend. They ignored a government order to go back to work. This strike started on August 16, 2025. It has grounded many flights. Thousands of people are stuck.

The union is called CUPE. It represents about 10,000 flight attendants. They want better pay and fair schedules. Talks with the airline went on for months. But nothing got fixed. So, the workers started the strike. Then, the Canadian government stepped in. Labor Minister Patty Hajdu ordered binding arbitration. That means a third party decides the deal. She also said workers must return to work by August 17, 2025.

However, the union said no. They plan to fight the order in court. Until then, the strike goes on. Julie Potvin is a union leader. She said the government is helping the airline too much. “We stay strong until we get a fair deal,” she told reporters. Flight attendants feel bad for passengers. But they say sorry on behalf of Air Canada.

Air Canada was ready to start flights again on Monday evening. Now, they stopped those plans. The airline calls the union’s move illegal. They warn it could take up to 10 days to get back to normal. Passengers can get refunds or rebook on other airlines. And the strike hits hard. Air Canada flies about 130,000 people each day. They have nearly 200 flights to the US alone. Cargo is affected too. Things like medicine and organ donations might be delayed.

Protests happened outside airports. In Montreal, over 100 people showed up. They waved flags and cheered. Cars honked in support. In Toronto, workers chanted “No flights without our rights.” It was loud and full of energy.

This mess could spread. Air Canada is part of Star Alliance. That includes United Airlines and others. Travel across North America and beyond is at risk. Europe, Asia, and even Australia might feel it. People from Africa and South America who fly through Canada are worried. Antarctica has few flights, but global chains connect everyone.

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Here is some data on the impact:

Imagine a graph here: A bar chart showing daily flights canceled. On day 1: 500 bars high. Day 2: 800 even higher. It rises as the strike goes on. You can see this on mobile or computer screens easily.

We got this info from trusted places. For example, read the full story on Reuters here: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/air-canada-union-says-flight-attendants-will-continue-strike-defy-government-2025-08-17/.

Stay informed with us at https://america112.com/. Our site has tips on travel during strikes.

Flight attendants protested in front of Air Canada headquarters. [Insert picture from Google: Flight attendants protesting at Montreal airport, crowd with signs and flags.]

The government watches closely. The labor board handles the arbitration. But no quick fix yet. Passengers are angry. One said, “I missed my family trip.” Another added, “This ruins plans for work.”

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Experts say strikes like this happen when talks fail. Pay is the big issue. Flight attendants earn less than pilots. They work long hours. So, they fight for change.

For global readers, this affects you too. If you fly to Canada from Europe or Asia, check your flights. People in Africa or South America, watch for delays. Even Australia routes might change.

Learn more at https://america112.com/. We aim for all ages, from kids learning about news to adults planning trips.

The union might win in court. Or not. But for now, flights stay down. Air Canada loses money each day. Passengers lose time.

Head over to https://america112.com/ for live updates.