Air Canada Flight Attendants Stage National Protest Amid Strike Countdown

In a coordinated “day of action” today, more than 10,000 flight attendants represented by CUPE (the Canadian Union of Public Employees) held silent protests at four major airports—Montreal‑Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Calgary—to bring attention to prolonged contract disputes that may culminate in a strike next week.

The demonstrations are the latest escalation in a bitter labour impasse. On August 6, CUPE members delivered a resounding strike mandate, with 99.7% voting in favor of action if a deal is not reached. However, under Canadian labour law, no strike can legally begin until the 21‑day cooling‑off period concludes, which is 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and even then only after a 72‑hour strike notice is issued.

CUPE president Wesley Lesosky emphasized that the aim is not necessarily to strike but to compel meaningful negotiation on issues such as unpaid work, “poverty‑level wages,” pension contributions, per diems, and work‑rule reforms. Acknowledging the results of the vote, Air Canada described it as “a normal step in the negotiation process,” reiterating its commitment to reaching a fair agreement without disrupting the travel plans of passengers.

CUPE’s Strike Committee Chair, Shanyn Elliott, reaffirmed the union’s unity, stating: “Without us, flights don’t take off,” as talks continue to intensify.

What this means for travellers: While a strike is far from certain, the risk window opens after August 16. Airlines normally impacted—Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge—could face significant disruptions. Passengers are advised to monitor flight updates, consider flexible or refundable booking options, and purchase travel insurance that covers labour disputes.