Canada’s federal government intervened on Saturday to end the strike by Air Canada’s flight attendants, forcing both the airline and the union into binding arbitration after the sudden work stoppage stranded more than 100,000 travellers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu defended the move, saying now was not the time to jeopardise the economy, particularly in light of the unprecedented tariffs recently imposed on Canada by the United States. The decision compels the 10,000 striking flight attendants to return to work shortly, though full restoration of services may still take several days. Hajdu emphasised that the Canada Industrial Relations Board will oversee the process of resuming operations and extending the terms of the current agreement until a new one is finalised by the arbitrator.
The intervention came just hours after negotiations collapsed between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the flight attendants. Hajdu said it had become clear that neither side was making progress on resolving key issues and that outside arbitration was necessary. Union leader Wesley Lesosky strongly criticised the government’s swift action, arguing that Ottawa had undermined the workers’ constitutional right to strike and had essentially rewarded Air Canada for avoiding genuine negotiations. Despite the government’s stance, CUPE officials said attendants would remain on picket lines until given official instructions otherwise.
Air Canada, which operates around 700 flights daily, has already cancelled hundreds of flights and expects disruptions to continue well into the coming week. The shutdown has impacted as many as 130,000 people a day, leaving tens of thousands of Canadians stranded abroad. Aviation analytics showed that by Saturday afternoon, the airline had cancelled nearly 700 flights, with many more already suspended for the following day. Air Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr admitted that even if workers returned promptly, it could take up to a week to fully stabilise operations. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Canada both supported the government’s arbitration order, citing the risk of widespread travel and cargo disruptions.
The dispute between Air Canada and its flight attendants has been simmering for nearly eight months, with little progress on bridging the gap between the union’s demands and the airline’s proposals. Pay remains the central sticking point, with attendants arguing that inflation and unpaid work performed on the ground have not been adequately addressed. Union leaders highlighted the gender disparity in negotiations, pointing out that Air Canada’s predominantly male pilots secured a significant raise last year, while flight attendants—70 per cent of whom are women—were offered a less favourable deal. Air Canada’s most recent proposal promised a 38 per cent increase in overall compensation over four years, including wages, benefits, and pensions, but the union rejected it, saying the initial raise of 8 per cent was insufficient given rising costs of living.
For passengers, the strike and its aftermath have been deeply disruptive. Many travellers reported receiving little communication from the airline and faced expensive, last-minute changes to their plans. Some, like JeanNicolas Reyt, found themselves abroad with no clear guidance on whether their flights home would proceed. Others, like Jennifer MacDonald and her family, were forced to spend hundreds on unexpected hotel stays and alternative arrangements, turning what should have been routine trips into costly, multiday ordeals. Despite their frustrations, several passengers expressed sympathy for the flight attendants, stressing that they hoped Air Canada would return to the table and negotiate in good faith rather than relying solely on government intervention.
The situation underscores the federal government’s longstanding practice of stepping in during major transportation strikes. Labour experts note that Ottawa has intervened dozens of times since the mid-20th century to keep Canada’s essential transportation systems running, from airlines to railroads. Hajdu defended the latest move by insisting the government is not anti-union but argued that the economic stakes were simply too high to allow the strike to continue. For now, travellers remain caught in uncertainty, with some waiting days to be rebooked while others demand refunds or attempt to reroute through other airlines. Whether arbitration can resolve the deep divisions between Air Canada and its flight attendants remains to be seen, but the dispute has already highlighted broader concerns over fairness in compensation, gender equity in the airline industry, and the limits of labour rights in sectors deemed essential to Canada’s economy.
