MONTREAL- Air Canada (AC) flight attendants may go on strike in 2025 as contract negotiations with the airline have stalled. Represented by the Air Canada Component of CUPE, over 10,000 flight attendants are affected, citing unfair wages and unpaid work as key concerns.
The union has entered into conciliation with the federal government, setting the stage for a potential strike as early as August 2025. Entry-level flight attendants reportedly earn just $1,951.30 monthly, which the union says is unsustainable.
Photo: Air Canada (Representative Image)Air Canada Flight Attendants May Strike
The labor dispute began when contract negotiations between the airline and CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) broke down in May.
CUPE President Wesley Lesosky expressed frustration, stating Air Canada “appears to be dragging their feet and not taking the process seriously.”
Flight attendants argue that current wages are no longer viable in today’s economy.
Entry-level full-time crew members reportedly earn just CAD 1,951.30 per month, which the union claims is not a livable wage in cities like Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR).
The airline and union are now entering a formal conciliation process involving the federal Minister of Labour. This includes:
| Federal Conciliation | 60 days |
| Cooling-Off Period | 21 days |
| Possible Strike Notice | 72 hours after a strike vote |
This timeline makes early August the earliest possible window for legal strike action if no deal is reached.
Photo: Air Canada (Representative Image)Unpaid Duties and Stagnant Pay
Union officials have emphasized that the current labor contract, signed in 2015, is outdated.
Over the last decade, flight attendants have absorbed increased responsibilities without commensurate pay.
CUPE notes that critical safety and preparation tasks are performed without compensation.
These unpaid tasks include:
- Inspecting aircraft safety gear (extinguishers, oxygen bottles, smoke hoods)
- Pre-flight checks of lavatories, catering supplies, and safety equipment
- Identifying mechanical or weather-related concerns before boarding
CUPE’s campaign, “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly,” alleges that flight attendants effectively perform 35 hours of unpaid work per month, a figure that underlines the urgency behind their demands.
Photo: By BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada – Air Canada Airbus A320-200 C-FFWN, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47801236Impact on Travelers and Operations
A potential strike during peak travel season would disrupt thousands of flights and affect passengers nationwide.
Air Canada (AC) operates major hubs at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Calgary (YYC). A labor stoppage could lead to:
- Flight cancellations and delays
- Increased pressure on rival carriers like WestJet (WS)
- Higher demand for rebooking and customer service support
While Air Canada has not issued an official statement on contingency plans, unions warn travelers should prepare for disruptions if no deal is reached.
Photo: Clément AlloingGrowing Pressure on Air Canada
Air Canada faces increasing pressure to resolve the dispute without service interruptions, especially during the busy summer travel season.
The airline must balance cost concerns with rising labor demands amid inflation and post-pandemic operational shifts.
CUPE’s airline division represents around 18,500 flight attendants nationwide and has indicated broader support across the industry.
The union is focused on achieving significant improvements in pay, recognition for unpaid labor, and improved working conditions.
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