Over 10,000 Air Canada Flight Attendants Vote on Potential Strike
Over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada have made a bold move. They just voted on whether to go on strike. This decision comes during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, summer. If the strike happens, it could affect thousands of flights and passengers across the country and beyond.
So, why are they voting now? Flight attendants say they’re overworked and underpaid. Many feel their voices aren’t being heard. They want better pay, more rest, and fair treatment. And honestly, they deserve it. These are the people who keep our flights safe and comfortable.
We often don’t think about what flight attendants go through behind the scenes. But their job isn’t just about serving drinks or smiling. It’s long hours, stressful situations, and safety responsibilities. As talks between the union and Air Canada continue, many of us are left wondering, will our next flight be grounded?
Let’s find out what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for travelers like us.
Air Canada: Background
Air Canada is Canada’s flagship airline. It operates both its main line and Air Canada Rouge. The flight attendants belong to the Air Canada Component of CUPE. Their collective agreement expired on March 31, 2025. Since then, contract talks have stalled. More than 10,000 flight attendants are affected.
The union has pushed for better wages, clearer scheduling, and fair rest time. They say the old contract hasn’t kept pace with rising living costs and increasing workloads. Flight attendants have not seen meaningful pay hikes in years, and they claim much of their work is unpaid.
Reasons Behind the Strike Vote
Union leaders say that entry‑level full‑time attendants make only about $1,951.30 per month. They call that wage impossible to live on in large Canadian cities.
They also say attendants log about 35 unpaid hours every month. That includes safety checks, cabin prep, and reporting issues before the flight starts.
They’ve asked for higher base pay. They want paid time for those prep tasks. They also want better daily allowances (per diems), stronger pension terms, and clearer rules on rest times and duty limits. Air Canada has said it remains committed to bargaining and hopes to find a fair contract. But it also says a strike vote is normal in labor talks, and doesn’t mean flights will stop immediately.
Voting Details and Process
The strike authorization vote began Monday, July 28, at 2 PM EDT and will close on Tuesday, August 5, at 2 PM EDT.
Union reps have held Zoom sessions to explain why members should vote “Yes.” They argue that a strong mandate is important in negotiations.
If most members vote in favor, the union enters a legal position to strike. But first, it must wait through a 21‑day cooling‑off period. After that, the union could give 72 hours’ notice before starting a strike. That means the earliest strike action could happen on or after August 26-29, depending on timing.
Potential Impact on Operations
If flight attendants strike, many flights could be disrupted. Air Canada serves major hubs like Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Calgary (YYC). Travelers in mid‑August could face cancellations or delays.
Yet Air Canada plans to keep talking. In past labor disruptions, the airline offered options like rebooking, refunds, or airline partnerships to reduce passenger impact.
Industry and Public Reaction
A recent survey showed 92% of attendants are ready to strike and picket if needed. That reflects a strong sense of urgency among workers.
Public comments, especially on platforms like Reddit, show travel‑weary customers sympathizing with the attendants. One commenter wrote:
Industry commentators say this vote is part of a larger shift in airline labor relations. Even pilots have shown solidarity; in late 2024, Air Canada pilots nearly walked out before a last‑minute deal was reached.
What’s Next?
Now that the conciliation process has ended without a new deal, we enter the 21‑day cooling period. If talks fail to progress, the union can serve a 72‑hour strike notice, but only after August 26.
Both sides may consider mediation or arbitration. Sometimes, government labor officials step in. In previous standoffs, last‑minute deals have prevented full strikes. We’ll need to watch for any announcements from CUPE leaders or Air Canada executives.
Key dates:
- Vote closes: August 5
- Cooling period ends: around August 26
- Possible strike notice: earliest after that
Passenger Rights
Travelers should know that under Canada’s Airline Passenger Protection Regulations, they are not entitled to compensation for cancellations or delays caused by labor disputes. This includes meals, hotels, or incidental costs.
However, if a strike happens, Air Canada may still offer rebookings or refunds. They may even work with partner airlines to help stranded customers, based on past practice.
Broader Labour Issues
This dispute highlights a larger problem in Canada’s airline industry. The current contract was signed in 2015, and it no longer reflects modern costs or workloads. Flight attendants argue they serve passengers amid safety and service demands, yet earn stagnant wages.
CUPE’s wider airline division represents about 18,500 flight attendants across Canada. The union hopes the outcome of this vote will set a new tone in aviation labor talks across the country.
Final Note
As negotiations move forward, we will stay updated. We’ll track key dates and any official statements. For travelers, understanding your rights and keeping an eye on developments is vital. And for workers, this vote may mark a turning point in their push for fair pay and working conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Air Canada flight attendants can strike after August 26, 2025. First, they must finish a 21-day waiting period and then give 72 hours’ notice before starting the strike.
New full-time flight attendants at Air Canada earn around $1,950 per month. Many say this is too low, especially in cities with high living costs.
Disclaimer:
This is for information only, not financial advice. Always do your research.