Air Canada Labour Dispute: Here's What You Need To Know

If you’ve been following Canadian travel news lately, you’ve likely heard about the ongoing labour dispute between Air Canada and its employees. While these types of negotiations are not uncommon in the airline industry, they can cause uncertainty for passengers planning to fly in the coming weeks. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do if your travel plans are affected.

The Situation

Air Canada is currently in contract negotiations with CUPE The union representing flight attendants. The dispute centres on issues such as wages, scheduling, and working conditions. Negotiations have been ongoing, but tensions escalated when strike notice was announced.

Both sides are publicly stating their desire to reach an agreement, but there’s potential for service disruptions as early as tomorrow (Thursday Aug 14, 2025)

Why This Matters

Labour disputes in the airline industry can lead to:

• Flight delays and cancellations if staff walk off the job or reduced operations occur.

• Longer wait times at airports due to staffing shortages.

• Last-minute changes to flight schedules.

While the government can sometimes intervene to prevent a full shutdown, especially on essential transportation routes, there’s no guarantee.

Your Rights as a Passenger

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a labour disruption, Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) outline what compensation and assistance you may be entitled to. This can include:

• Rebooking at no additional cost

• A refund if you choose not to travel

• Meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation for extended delays

It will be important to find out whether this disruption is classified as within the airline’s control or outside the airline’s control, as this impacts what compensation is owed. Hopefully, we will find out more information on this shortly.

How to Prepare if You Have an Upcoming Flight

• Monitor your flight status regularly through the Air Canada app or website.

• Keep up to date on the current news

• Ensure your contact details are up-to-date in your booking so you receive alerts.

• Consider travel insurance that covers trip interruption due to labour disputes.

• Consider re-booking with another airline for essential trips where you can not change the dates

Looking Ahead

Negotiations between Air Canada and its employees are ongoing. The outcome could be a quick resolution, or a prolonged standoff. If you’re travelling soon, staying informed and proactive is your best defence against unexpected changes.