Air Canada Flight Attendants Hold National Protests Amid Contract Talks

Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), are poised to strike as early as August 16, 2025, after contract negotiations stalled. The union held a national day of action at major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, to raise awareness about low wages and unpaid work, with starting salaries around $1,900 a month, below minimum wage in many provinces. Flight attendants report working approximately 35 hours of unpaid time monthly for crucial tasks such as boarding and safety checks, contributing to financial hardship including reliance on food banks and shared accommodations. CUPE president Wesley Lesosky emphasized that Air Canada can avoid job action by paying fair wages that reflect the professionalism of flight attendants, pointing out the airline’s recent billions in profits. Air Canada states it is focused on reaching a negotiated settlement to make flight attendants among the best paid in the country while supporting the company's growth, but acknowledges no agreement has been reached yet. The union remains hopeful for a deal before the strike deadline, but preparations and public demonstrations continue amid uncertainty.