“We are now officially on strike,” announced the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 10,000 affected workers.
Air Canada, which flies directly to 180 cities worldwide, immediately responded by announcing the suspension of all operations, totaling 700 flights scheduled for today.
“Air Canada strongly advises affected customers not to go to the airport,” read a company statement, expressing deep regret over the strike’s impact on customers.
In addition to a salary increase, the flight attendants demand pay for ground work hours, including time spent during boarding, currently uncompensated.
Labor Minister Patty Hajdu met with the airline and the union on Friday night, urging both to reach an agreement “once and for all.”
“It is unacceptable that so little progress has been made. Canadians rely on both parties’ commitment,” Hajdu stated in a post on social media.
