The Air Canada flight attendant strike, which began on Saturday, is still ongoing, and despite a federal government order to return to work, the Union of Flight Attendants (CUPE) has refused to end the strike. It has caused widespread flight cancellations, stranded passengers and created a crisis in Air Canada’s financial plans.

Latest reactions

🔹 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney:
“It is important that Air Canada flight attendants are always paid fairly,” Carney said Monday morning, expressing concern about the situation. “Hundreds of thousands of Canadians and tourists are affected by this strike, and I urge both sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” he said. He also said that Labour and Families Minister Patty Haydow would announce more details.

🔹 Ontario Premier Doug Ford:
“Everyone deserves a fair wage, but flights must continue. The federal government must keep both sides at the negotiating table to resolve this issue,” Ford said in Ottawa. 🔹 Canada Labour Relations Board decision:
The Labour Relations Board (CIRB) has declared the strike of more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants illegal and ordered the union to reinstate the workers. However, CUPE has rejected the order and is taking it to federal court.

Economic implications

Air Canada on Monday suspended its third-quarter and full-year 2025 financial guidance. The company had previously expected annual operating profit to be between $3.2 billion and $3.6 billion, but the ongoing strike has thrown all of those plans into doubt.

Passenger Voices

“My child is with my parents and I’m just stressed about getting home as soon as possible,” said a mother from Prince Edward Island at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. “I had to pay a huge amount for a replacement flight, with no guarantee that I would get my money back.”

A couple in Calgary who were planning a honeymoon in the United States had their flight canceled and their hotels and non-refundable tickets were lost.

A group of Cancun travelers were diverted to a 20-hour journey with several indirect stops. “What was supposed to be a five-hour flight turned into a 20-hour journey,” one said. However, Air Canada paid for the nearly $22,000 rerouting.

Union position

“This is not the end. We will continue to fight on the picket line, in the courts and in Parliament to end the injustice of unpaid wages once and for all. Workers will win, even if the Liberal government and its corporate friends want us to.”