What we know so far about a possible Air Canada strike

The union representing 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge is holding a strike vote after conciliation efforts with federally-appointed mediators ended without a deal.

The group’s current collective agreement, in place since 2015, expired on March 31, 2025.

Negotiations between the airline and the union hit a stalemate in mid-May, prompting the union to request formal conciliation from the federal labour minister. 

At the time, the union emphasized that increasing compensation was a key priority, pointing out that an entry-level, full-time flight attendant earns approximately $1,951 per month.

In a statement, the union says its members have lost “significant purchasing power” and is seeking wage increases along with an “end to the abuse of unpaid work.”

One of the central issues, according to the union, involves gaps in the Canada Labour Code that it says allow airlines to require flight attendants to work an average of 35 hours each month without pay, as first reported by the Canadian Press.

The union reports flight attendants perform a range of unpaid tasks—such as assisting passengers during boarding and deplaning, supporting travellers with mobility needs and conducting safety checks—before the plane doors close. 

Currently, pay begins only once the boarding doors are shut and stops when they open upon arrival. 

The union wants that to change, calling for compensation to begin at the start of pre-boarding duties.

The conciliation process officially began on May 26, with four federal mediators assigned to help bridge the gap between the two sides. 

However, no agreement was reached.

Now, the union is calling on its members to support a strike mandate. Voting began Monday, July 28 and closes tomorrow, Tuesday, August 5, 2025. 

As previously reported, a strike could legally begin at 12:01 a.m. (EST) on August 16, which would affect both Air Canada mainline and Rouge operations.

In a statement, Air Canada described the strike vote as a “normal step in the negotiation process” and said it remains focused on reaching a deal.

A strike by Air Canada flight attendants could lead to widespread disruptions and flight cancellations if it proceeds.

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