Air Canada to lock out flight attendants after vote to strike from Saturday

Air Canada plans to lock out its flight attendants after they voted to strike this weekend following months of negotiations that yielded no deal.

Disruptions may begin Thursday (August 14) and continue until an agreement is reached.

The airline will suspend operations starting Saturday, potentially lasting until a deal is finalised, according to Air Canada’s statement (Air Canada, 2025).

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the flight attendants, issued a strike notice, prompting Air Canada’s 72-hour lockout notice effective August 16, CBC News reported.

CUPE reported that 99.7% of its members voted for the strike.

“For the past nine months, we have put forward solid, data-driven proposals on wages and unpaid work, all rooted in fairness and industry standards,” said Wesley Lesosky, president of CUPE’s Air Canada Component.

“Air Canada’s response to our proposals makes one thing clear: they are not interested in resolving these critical issues.”

After eight months of negotiations, Air Canada offered a 38% compensation increase over four years, plus additional benefits, but no agreement was reached, according to the Globe and Mail.

The union rejected the proposal and issued the strike notice.

“We will begin implementing our contingency plan to gradually begin an orderly wind down of operations,” Air Canada stated.

Flight cancellations are expected to start August 14, with more on August 15, and a full shutdown by August 16, according to CTV News.

Air Canada operates about 430 daily flights between Canada and over 50 US airports, serving roughly 130,000 passengers daily, according to the airline.

CUPE is pushing for full pay for all work hours and cost-of-living adjustments, including boarding pay, a key issue also debated in US airline negotiations.

Labour Minister Patty Hajdu has met with both parties and said federal mediators are available.

“I am closely monitoring the situation and encourage both parties to stay at the table until a deal is found,” she stated.