Flight Attendant Union and Air Canada Reach Agreement, Halting Strike and Paving Way for Gradual Restart of Operations
Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 flight attendants, CUPE, have reached an agreement to end a strike that has disrupted the travel plans of approximately 130,000 passengers daily during the peak of the summer travel season. The tentative deal includes a 38% total compensation increase over four years, reaching up to $94 an hour in the first year, improved ground pay provisions, enhanced health benefits, and better work-life balance measures[1][4].
The strike began in early August 2025 and was declared unlawful by the federal government, which issued a back-to-work order on August 17. However, CUPE initially defied this order, prolonging the disruption and forcing Air Canada to suspend flight resumptions temporarily[2][3].
As of late August 2025, flight attendants have secured a tentative agreement, which the members are now voting on. This marks a historic affirmation of their rights after extended conflict[4][5].
Regarding the expected timeline for resuming regular service, flights for Canada's largest airline will start resuming Tuesday evening. However, full restoration may require a week or more, according to Air Canada. Some flights will be canceled until the schedule is stabilized, and restarting a major carrier is a complex undertaking[2][4][5].
The agreement also extends the expired collective agreement on a temporary basis until the new contract is finalized through binding arbitration ordered by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB)[2][4]. Air Canada declined to comment further on the agreement until the ratification process is complete.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent administrative tribunal that interprets and applies Canada's labor laws. The CIRB was ordered to intervene in the dispute by the Canadian government[2].
Labor leaders objected to the Canadian government's repeated use of a law that cuts off workers' right to strike and forces them into arbitration[6]. The union ignored a weekend order to submit to binding arbitration and end the strike, further prolonging the disruption[2][3].
Mediation discussions were initiated with the union committing to have the airline's 10,000 flight attendants immediately return to work[3]. The agreement guarantees members pay for work performed while planes are on the ground[1].
As of Monday afternoon, at least 1,219 domestic flights and 1,339 international flights have been canceled since last Thursday. Passengers whose flights are impacted can request a full refund on the airline's website or mobile app[2].
The strike has caused rolling cancellations through Tuesday afternoon, and Air Canada's CEO Michael Rousseau stated that the process of resuming regular service will be gradual[2][3].
[1] Air Canada, "Air Canada and CUPE Reach Tentative Agreement to End Strike [2] CBC News, "Air Canada strike: Flight attendants to vote on tentative deal [3] Global News, "Air Canada strike: Flight attendants vote on tentative deal to end job action [4] CTV News, "Air Canada flight attendants vote on tentative deal to end strike" [5] The Globe and Mail, "Air Canada strike ends as flight attendants vote on tentative deal" [6] Toronto Star, "Air Canada strike: Union leaders cry foul as Ottawa cuts off workers' right to strike"
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