Massive Air Canada strike to continue despite government’s intervention

Air Canada announced on Saturday night that all flights of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge remain suspended pending the outcome of a Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) process.

The CIRB has been called to bring back all parties to negotiation following a directive by the Government of Canada ordering binding arbitration in the company’s contract negotiations with its flight attendants.

The arbitration was called by Canada Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. “As minister of labor, I have exercised my authorities under section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the parties to resume and continue their operations and duties,” she said in a press conference.

The minister pointed to the disruption for passengers as well as air cargo. After months of unsuccessful talks, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) called for a strike on August 16. Consequently, Air Canada has been cancelling flights on a rolling basis. All flights by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are cancelled until the afternoon of August 17, 2025. Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate as normal.

Close to 700 flights and 130,000 travelers were affected by the disruption on Saturday. “Canadians have already sacrificed a lot in this uncertain economy. This labor disruption is adding to their worries and financial burdens,” declared Hajdu. The arbitration means that flight attendants must go back to work.

Customers whose flights are cancelled are being notified. They are offered options that include a full refund, a future travel credit for Air Canada. Or a re-booking on another airline. Those whose flights are cancelled are strongly advised not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking on a flight by another carrier.