Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) resumed negotiations late Monday, marking the first talks since 10,000 flight attendants began striking over the weekend. The discussions occurred despite the union defying government orders to end the illegal work stoppage that has stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers during peak summer season.
Approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants represented by CUPE returned to negotiations with airline management in Toronto on Monday evening. This development came after three days of strikes that commenced early Saturday when workers rejected the airline’s request for binding arbitration. Federal mediator William Kaplan assisted the talks, which represented the first direct communication between the parties since the strike began.
The labor dispute centers on wage increases and compensation for unpaid work performed during pre-flight safety checks and boarding procedures. Air Canada’s latest offer included a 38% total compensation boost over four years, but the union contends this translates to only 8% in immediate wage gains, which they deem insufficient amid high inflation. The conflict intensified after workers rejected government-directed arbitration that would have allowed a third-party mediator to impose contract terms.
Monday’s negotiations followed CUPE’s defiant rejection of two consecutive return-to-work orders from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which declared the strike illegal. Union President Mark Hancock stated members would remain off the job despite legal risks, emphasizing that “the solution has to be found at the bargaining table.” This marked a rare challenge to Canada’s labor dispute resolution system.
The strike has caused massive travel disruptions, affecting approximately 130,000 passengers daily at peak summer travel season. Air Canada cancelled over 2,500 domestic and international flights since Thursday, impacting an estimated 500,000 travelers. Montreal resident Robert Brzymowski reported being stranded in Prague with his family, resulting in job loss and children missing school, while many others faced financial penalties from missed work obligations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the crisis, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of Canadians and visitors are being disrupted by this action,” while urging resolution. The confrontation reflects broader labor tensions in Canada, where unions increasingly challenge back-to-work legislation used recently with port and railway workers. Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau extended cancellations through Tuesday afternoon while hoping for resolution.
With negotiations ongoing, the airline has advised affected passengers to seek refunds through its website or mobile app. The outcome will determine whether Canada’s aviation network recovers during the critical summer season or faces prolonged disruptions. Both parties remain under intense pressure to reach agreement before further economic damage occurs.