Air Canada Flight Attendants Vote 99.7% for Strike Mandate

(CANADA) Air Canada flight attendants have voted 99.7% in favour of a strike mandate, raising the real possibility of a major disruption to Canada 🇨🇦’s largest airline as early as August 16, 2025. The vote, announced in early August, shows overwhelming support for job action if contract talks with Air Canada do not lead to a new agreement soon.

More than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge took part in the vote, which followed months of stalled negotiations and growing frustration over pay and working conditions. The union representing the flight attendants, the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), says the strike mandate is a clear message to the airline that workers want fair treatment and better compensation.

Why Are Flight Attendants Ready to Strike?

The main issues driving the strike mandate are wages, unpaid work, and scheduling rules. According to CUPE, entry-level Air Canada flight attendants currently earn $30.02 per hour, up from $25.13 a decade ago. However, the union points out that since 2000, inflation in Canada 🇨🇦 has increased by 169% and average full-time wages have grown by 210%. In contrast, entry-level flight attendant pay has only gone up by 10%—about $3 per hour—over the past 25 years.

Another major concern is the practice of not paying flight attendants for important duties like safety checks, boarding, and deplaning. CUPE argues that these are essential tasks that keep passengers safe, yet flight attendants do not receive pay for this work. The union calls this “unpaid labor” and says it adds up to a significant loss of income for workers.

Scheduling and work rules are also at the heart of the dispute. Many flight attendants say they face unpredictable hours, long shifts, and rules that make it hard to balance work and personal life. The union describes current conditions as “poverty-level wages” and “exploitative,” demanding changes that would ensure all hours worked are paid and that schedules are fairer.

What Happens Next?

The strike mandate does not mean a strike will happen right away. Under Canadian 🇨🇦 labor law, there is a legally required cooling-off period after conciliation talks break down. For Air Canada flight attendants, this period ends at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 16, 2025. That is the earliest moment a legal strike could begin if no agreement is reached.

Before any strike can start, the union must give Air Canada at least 72 hours’ notice. As of August 6, 2025, no such notice has been given, but it could come at any time after the cooling-off period ends. This means passengers and the travel industry are watching closely as the deadline approaches.

How Will a Strike Affect Passengers and the Airline?

If Air Canada flight attendants go on strike, the impact could be immediate and widespread. Passengers could face:

• ✈️ Flight cancellations and delays: Many flights could be grounded or rescheduled, especially on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes.
• ⚠️ Service disruptions: Even flights that do operate may have reduced service, longer boarding times, or other problems.
• 📅 Travel uncertainty: People with bookings around or after August 16, 2025, should check for updates and consider backup plans.

Travel advisors and agencies are already warning customers to prepare for possible changes to their travel plans. The busy summer travel season means that any strike could affect thousands of travelers each day.

For Air Canada, a strike would mean not only lost revenue but also damage to its reputation. The airline has said it wants to negotiate in good faith and avoid disruptions, but as of August 6, 2025, there is no sign of a breakthrough in talks.

What Are the Union and Airline Saying?

Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada Component of CUPE, has been outspoken about the need for change. He said,

“The company would rather drag their feet than negotiate on the things that matter to our members… Now, flight attendants have had a chance to weigh in and tell the company it’s time to get serious about negotiating.”

Air Canada has not released a detailed public response to the strike mandate but has previously stated its commitment to working with the union to reach a fair deal and minimize disruption for passengers.

Background and Context

The last contract between Air Canada and its flight attendants was signed in 2015 and expired in March 2025. When talks failed to make progress, the union filed for conciliation in May 2025. Conciliation is a formal process where a government-appointed officer tries to help both sides reach an agreement. When this process ended without a deal, the cooling-off period began, setting the stage for possible strike action.

Labor disputes over pay and working conditions are not new in the airline industry, but Air Canada flight attendants have not gone on strike in recent years. The strong support for the strike mandate shows how deep the frustration runs among workers this time.

What Should Passengers Do?

If you have a flight booked with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge around or after August 16, 2025, here are some practical steps:

1. 📋 Monitor official updates: Check the Air Canada website and your email for the latest news about your flight.
2. 📋 Consider flexible travel plans: If possible, book refundable tickets or travel insurance that covers labor disruptions.
3. 📋 Stay in touch with your travel agent: They can help you rebook or find alternatives if your flight is affected.
4. 📋 Know your rights: In Canada 🇨🇦, passengers have certain rights if flights are delayed or canceled due to a strike. You can learn more about these rights on the Government of Canada Labour Program website.

Looking Ahead: Is There Still Hope for a Deal?

There is still time for Air Canada and the union to reach an agreement before the strike deadline. Mediation or government intervention could also play a role, although no such action has been announced as of August 6, 2025. If a strike does happen, it could set an example for other airline workers in Canada 🇨🇦, possibly leading to more labor actions in the future.

Expert and Media Views

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the overwhelming support for the strike mandate reflects low morale and a strong desire for change among flight attendants. Media outlets across Canada 🇨🇦 have highlighted the risks of major travel disruptions and the broader impact on the airline industry.

Key Dates to Remember

Final Thoughts

As the August 16 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Air Canada, the union, and the government to see if a deal can be reached. Passengers, flight attendants, and the travel industry all stand to be affected by what happens next. For now, staying informed and prepared is the best way to handle the uncertainty.