CIRB Rules Air Canada Strike Unlawful

In a judgement following a hearing on Aug. 17, 2025, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruled that flight attendants’ refusal to abide by a back-to-work order is illegal. It urged CUPE bosses to encourage their members to return to their jobs under the terms of their expired contract until a new contract is put in place. 

In a statement issued by Air Canada, the airline outlined the terms of the ruling:

• The union and its officers are ordered to immediately cease all activities that declare or authorize an unlawful strike of its members and to direct the members of the bargaining unit to resume the performance of their duties; 
• The members of the union’s bargaining unit are directed to resume the performance of their duties immediately and to refrain from engaging in unlawful strike activities;  
• The union and its officers shall provide written public notice, either through its website or other means, to all members by 12:00 pm EDT on August 18, 2025, that it has revoked its declaration or authorization of strike activities and that all members are required to resume the performance of their duties. 

Related: CUPE Defies Back to Work Order

 

When the federal government first issued the back to work order, Air Canada anticipated a resumption of service in the afternoon of Aug. 17, which it later revised to the evening of Aug. 18. The latest release does not give a timeframe for when passengers can expect to be travelling again. In the meantime, the Air Canada website and app continue to instruct passengers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed flight on another airline. 

Air Canada also issued a notice to its investors, abandoning its previously announced guidance, stating: “Given the effects of the labour disruption and related impact on operations, Air Canada is suspending its guidance for third quarter and full-year 2025 operating results provided in its July 28, 2025 news release.”

Related: Air Canada Revenue Rises in Q2—but U.S. Boycotts Weigh on Profits

 

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