Air Canada’s ongoing contract negotiations with its cabin crew have escalated, with hundreds of flight attendants staging demonstrations at major Canadian airports on Monday to protest against unpaid labor. The move comes as talks between the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) intensify ahead of a possible strike that could begin as early as August 16.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, around 700 attendants mostly women picketed in crisp grey uniforms, holding placards with messages such as “unpaid work won’t fly.” According to CUPE, unpaid work has emerged as a central sticking point in the talks, alongside demands for higher wages, especially for newer recruits.
Currently, most airlines, including Air Canada, only pay flight attendants for the time when aircraft are in motion. CUPE argues that this excludes significant work hours spent on safety checks, boarding, deplaning, and handling passenger emergencies. Shanyn Elliott, CUPE Strike Committee Chair, said attendants put in an average of 35 unpaid hours each month. With their last contract signed a decade ago, Elliott noted that wages have fallen behind inflation, leaving some attendants reliant on food banks or shared accommodation.
A strike during the peak summer travel season could disrupt operations for Canada’s largest carrier, which has already reported a drop in second-quarter profits due to weaker U.S. passenger traffic. Still, both Air Canada and the union stress they are committed to reaching a negotiated agreement.
In a statement, Air Canada said it remains at the bargaining table, aiming to make its cabin crew the best paid in the country while ensuring the company’s long-term growth. Federal mediators are assisting in the discussions.
Public sentiment appears mixed. Passenger Jim Ken, 73, traveling to Malta, expressed support for the attendants’ demands but worried about potential delays upon his return. “I hope flight attendants get a fair contract and they deserve it. I just hope everything goes smooth… for both sides,” he said.
Jennifer Kozelj, press secretary to Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families, emphasized confidence in the mediation process. “Canadians expect them to work this out at the bargaining table,” she said.
For now, Air Canada’s flights remain unaffected, but the clock is ticking toward a potential strike deadline that could ground summer travel plans for thousands.
