Air Canada Flight Attendants Stage Pickets, Airline Issues Q&A for Passengers

Calling it a “day of action,” Air Canada flight attendants set up pickets at Canada’s four largest airports on Aug. 11.

Starting at 1 pm Eastern, workers planned to picket at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Calgary International Airport (YYC). The demonstration was expected to last about an hour.

“We’re proud to put on this uniform and help keep the public safe on their journey, but the days of us doing it for free or for poverty wages must end,” states Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada component of CUPE.  “Air Canada flight attendants from coast to coast are coming together on August 11 to stand up for each other, and for the pride and dignity of this profession. We’re standing together for respect and a fair contract that matches to the professionalism and dedication we bring to work every day.”

Air Canada’s flight attendants voted last week to proceed with strike action on Aug. 16, 2025 if a contract agreement cannot be reached.

The airline responded with a Q&A posted to its website, reassuring passengers that no planned disruptions are expected before the Aug. 16th date, if the strike goes ahead.

The statement reads, in part: “We are in contract discussions with our flight attendants’ union. Currently, our operations are not affected, and our flights are operating as scheduled. Should this change, rest assured that we will notify you via email and text message of any impact to your flight itinerary in advance of your travel.

A strike vote is a normal part of the negotiating process and does not mean that any disruption will take place. In fact, a strike cannot take place before the end of the current cooling-off period, so this means there is no possibility of a labour action until at least August 16, 2025.” The full Q&A can be found at: www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2025/ac-action.html#/

 

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