Canada to Start Suspending Flights Amid Strike Threat

(The Post News) – Air Canada will begin suspending flights on Thursday after its flight attendants’ union issued a 72-hour strike notice.

The labor standoff poses a major test for Air Canada, threatening both its financial health and reputation with travelers across the country. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, delivered the notice early Wednesday. The strike follows a deadlock in contract negotiations with Air Canada.

Air Canada said it will gradually scale back flights over the next three days. The union highlighted wage increases and compensation for unpaid work hours as key concerns.

Air Canada Strike Halts Flights

CUPE accused Air Canada of failing to respond meaningfully to proposals before the strike deadline. Air Canada issued its own 72-hour lockout notice on Tuesday night. The airline said CUPE demanded “skyrocketing increases” and rejected binding third-party arbitration.

The airline described the potential strike as a “considerable risk” to business and employees. To reduce disruptions, Air Canada began repositioning aircraft and crew ahead of the strike. These measures will allow the airline to complete maintenance and restore operations faster.

Despite preparations, Air Canada acknowledged that many customers will face cancellations and delays. Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will suspend flights Thursday, with additional flights grounded Friday. The airline promised full refunds for canceled flights.

Air Canada also arranged agreements with other Canadian and international carriers to help affected travelers. However, alternative arrangements may take time to finalize and may not be immediately available. The labor standoff marks one of the most significant challenges Air Canada has faced recently.

Airports and airlines are making contingency plans to prepare, but many travelers should still expect disruptions like flight cancellations and delays. Meanwhile, passengers are advised to stay informed and patient during this difficult time, as everyone hopes for a swift resolution to keep travel running smoothly.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has expressed regrets over the inconvenience posed to customers, partners, and the community they serve. Canada’s Minister for Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, on the other hand, has noted that she is closely watching the situation but emphasized that the government won’t intervene. “The best agreements are the ones the parties reach on their own,” she said.

Air Canada serves 130,000 passengers daily. A strike could disrupt travel, leaving about 25,000 Canadians abroad potentially stranded, trying to return home safely.

About the Author

Kgopotso Ramalekane

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Hi, I’m Kgopotso, a journalism graduate with honours from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Botswana, specialising in politics and crime coverage. For me, journalism is about constantly learning how to make informed decisions, holding those who abuse power accountable, and using the power to speak up and question everything that seems deceiving. I’m passionate about keeping society informed, empowering people to be active citizens, and fostering a culture of curiosity and knowledge-sharing. My reporting explores how politics shapes our lives, influencing the laws we follow, the decisions we make, and even our financial wellbeing. Driven by a desire to keep learning and sharing knowledge, I see journalism not just as a profession but as a bridge between facts and the people they impact. Outside of reporting, I’m drawn to crime documentaries, especially works by Mariana van Zeller, whose investigations uncover how the underground mafia influences high-ranking professionals and how drugs hold powerful sway over communities, when I’m not watching documentaries, you’ll find me reading books, hiking in beautiful spots, or exploring my creativity through design apps. I also enjoy debating current affairs with friends. Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Despite the harsh realities of apartheid, she pursued her education with relentless determination, proving that neither oppression nor injustice could silence intellect or resolve. Her fearless resistance against tyranny, her steadfast commitment to justice, and her lifelong fight for the dignity of marginalized South Africans reflect the courage and principles I strive to embody in my journalism. Like her, I want to challenge entrenched power structures, give voice to those who are unheard, and use my platform to expose injustice, hold leaders accountable, and keep the public well-informed. In this pursuit, I also stand firm against gender-based violence and femicide, crimes that continue to steal women’s freedom, safety, and lives. Mama Winnie’s legacy reminds me that truth-telling and education are not just acts of defiance but crucial services to humanity.

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