Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are engaged in a dispute with the airline, seeking improved wages and compensation for unpaid duties. The dispute has escalated to the point where flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate, with 99.7% of members supporting the measure.
Key points of the dispute
- Wages and inflation:Â Flight attendants contend their wages have not kept pace with inflation, especially considering their last contract was signed a decade ago. Some junior attendants reportedly rely on food banks or shared accommodations.
- Unpaid duties:Â A major point of contention is the practice of unpaid work. Flight attendants are currently only paid for “block time,” which begins at takeoff and ends at landing. However, they are responsible for various safety-related duties, including performing safety checks, assisting passengers during boarding and deplaning, and attending to emergencies on the ground, for which they are not compensated. CUPE estimates this amounts to roughly 35 unpaid hours per month.
- Strike threat:Â If no agreement is reached with Air Canada, a strike could commence as early as August 16, 2025, according to the union, says Radio-Canada. CUPE must provide 72 hours’ notice of any strike action.
- Ongoing negotiations:Â Both Air Canada and CUPE have stated their desire to reach a negotiated settlement. The parties are currently engaged in intensive talks with the assistance of federal mediators. Air Canada maintains that it is committed to a fair and equitable agreement that would make its flight attendants among the best paid in the country while ensuring the company’s long-term growth.Â
