Air Canada is set to lock out its flight attendants this weekend after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the workers, issued a strike notice. The standoff follows nine months of negotiations over wages, unpaid work, and improved conditions, with 99.7% of union members voting in favor of strike action. The airline responded with a 72-hour lockout notice effective August 16, warning that operations will be suspended starting Saturday and remain halted until a deal is reached.
Air Canada said it offered a 38% compensation increase over four years along with other benefits, but the union rejected the proposal, insisting on fair pay for all hours worked and cost-of-living adjustments. Boarding pay—compensation for time spent preparing flights before takeoff—remains a key sticking point, mirroring disputes at US carriers.
The airline plans to begin winding down operations on August 14, with cancellations increasing through August 15 before a full shutdown. This disruption will affect nearly 430 daily flights between Canada and the US and around 130,000 passengers each day. Federal mediators remain engaged, with Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urging both parties to continue talks until an agreement is reached.