by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:15 AM ET, Tue August 5, 2025
More than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are poised to take job action later this month, pending the outcome of a strike mandate vote that closes today.
The vote, organized by the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), opened on July 28 and concludes at 2:00 p.m. EDT on August 5. It follows the end of a 60-day federally mandated conciliation period in which the union and airline failed to reach a new collective agreement.
RELATED: Air Canada Flight Attendants Begin Strike Vote July 28 Amid Stalled Contract Talks
Here’s what travellers need to know:
When could a strike happen?
Even if a majority of flight attendants vote in favour of a strike mandate, they cannot walk off the job immediately.
Under federal labour law, a 21-day cooling-off period must be observed after conciliation ends. A 72-hour strike notice is also required.
That means the earliest a strike could legally begin is 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 16, 2025.
What are the key issues?
Flight attendants are demanding improvements to:
- Pay and unpaid labour: CUPE says attendants are not paid for duties performed before boarding is complete—including safety checks and passenger assistance—and estimate up to 35 hours of unpaid work per month.
- Inflation-adjusted wages: Entry-level attendants currently earn about $1,951 per month, which the union says is unsustainable.
- Per diems and pensions: The union wants higher per diems for meals and more robust retirement benefits.
- Work rules: CUPE is also seeking changes to scheduling and onboard rest requirements.
What does Air Canada say?
In a July 25th statement, the airline has acknowledged the vote as a normal part of collective bargaining, stating:
“Such a vote is a normal step in the negotiation process and does not mean that any disruption will take place."
Air Canada has not commented on the union’s allegations about unpaid labour, but it has said it is prepared to continue negotiating during the cooling-off period.
“Air Canada is committed to the bargaining process and remains fully available to continue negotiations towards a fair and equitable collective agreement with CUPE that recognizes the contributions of its Flight Attendants and supports the competitiveness and long‑term growth of the company.”
What happens to my flight if there’s a strike?
A walkout could affect domestic and international routes on both Air Canada and Rouge, especially if no contingency plans are in place.
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR):
- Labour disruptions are considered outside the airline’s control, so you won’t be entitled to monetary compensation for delays or cancellations.
- You are still entitled to a rebooking within 48 hours or a refund if your flight is cancelled.
How can travellers prepare?
Travel experts recommend:
- Booking refundable fares or using airlines with flexible change policies.
- Avoiding non-refundable hotel or activity bookings if travel falls near the August 16 date.
- Purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for labour disruptions—though not all policies do.
- Signing up for Air Canada alerts and monitoring your flight status regularly.
What’s next?
Strike vote results are expected to be released shortly after polls close today. If the mandate is approved, all eyes will turn to whether progress is made during the cooling-off period—or whether a strike will begin just before the peak of late-summer travel.
For now, flights remain scheduled and Air Canada says it is business as usual.
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