Air Canada Strike Entering Third Day: Union and Airline Resume Talks Amid Disruption of 130,000 Daily Travelers

Negotiations between Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 flight attendants resumed late Monday for the first time since the strike commenced over the weekend. The strike, now in its third day, is impacting approximately 130,000 travelers daily during the peak of summer travel season.

Following an update to its members, the union reported that the airline had reached out for discussions, with mediation provided in Toronto. This meeting comes after the union declared that flight attendants would not return to work despite the strike being deemed illegal. Earlier, Air Canada announced rolling cancellations would continue into Tuesday afternoon as a result of the union defying a second return-to-work order.

Initially, Air Canada anticipated operations to resume Monday evening; however, the union president stated that this was not possible. In a bold statement, Mark Hancock, national president for Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), declared, “We will not be returning to the skies.”

The Canada Industrial Relations Board deemed the strike illegal on Monday and ordered the flight attendants back on duty. However, the union has indicated its intention to disregard this directive. The board, an independent administrative tribunal interpreting and applying Canada’s labor laws, had mandated that written notice be provided to all members by noon on Monday, indicating a resumption of duties.

Hancock asserted, “If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it.” He emphasized the need for a solution at the bargaining table, stating, “We’re looking for a solution here. Our members want a solution here, but solution has to be found at the bargaining table.”

The current situation has disrupted hundreds of thousands of Canadians and visitors, as per Prime Minister Mark Carney’s statement. He urged both parties to resolve the issue swiftly. Carney emphasized the importance of fair compensation for flight attendants throughout this process.

Air Canada operates approximately 700 flights daily. The airline anticipates 500,000 customers will be affected by flight cancellations. As of Monday afternoon, Air Canada had canceled at least 1,219 domestic flights and 1,339 international flights since last Thursday, when the carrier began gradually suspending operations ahead of the strike and lockout.

Air Canada’s CEO, Michael Rousseau, expressed hope for a quick resolution, stating, “We’re obviously hoping we can go tomorrow, but we’ll make that decision later today.” Passengers whose flights are affected will be eligible to request a full refund on the airline’s website or mobile app.