Hundreds of flights grounded as Air Canada staff strike

Air Canada has suspended all its flights after cabin crew members began a strike, causing major disruptions for travelers across Canada and around the world. The strike started early Saturday morning, and the airline says it will affect about 130,000 passengers every day. The union representing more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants confirmed that the industrial action had begun, with workers demanding higher pay and compensation for time spent working on the ground, such as boarding and waiting at airports. Air Canada announced that all flights, including those operated by its budget airline Air Canada Rouge, have been halted. The company strongly advised customers not to go to the airport unless they are flying with a different airline. The strike officially began at 00:58 ET, but Air Canada had already started reducing its operations before then. Each day, around 500 flights are expected to be affected. Flight attendants are picketing at major Canadian airports, holding signs and wearing their uniforms to show their frustration. Many passengers have been left scrambling to find alternative travel arrangements, with some trying to rebook flights earlier in the week.

Air Canada, which normally flies directly to 180 cities worldwide, said it had 'suspended all operations' and was 'strongly advising affected customers not to go to the airport. ' However, flights operated by Air Canada Jazz, PAL Airlines, and Air Canada Express are not affected by the strike. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to customers. By Friday night, Air Canada had already canceled 623 flights, impacting more than 100,000 passengers, as part of its preparations for the strike. In negotiations, Air Canada offered flight attendants a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year. The union, however, rejected the offer, saying it was 'below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage,' and that flight attendants would still not be paid for certain hours, including time spent boarding and waiting at airports.

The union and Air Canada have publicly criticized each other over their willingness to reach an agreement. Earlier this month, 99. 7% of union members voted in favor of striking. Canada's jobs minister, Patty Hajdu, urged both sides to return to the bargaining table to avoid a strike and said Air Canada had asked her to refer the dispute to binding arbitration. The union claims it has been negotiating in good faith for more than eight months, but that Air Canada prefers government-directed arbitration instead of direct talks. 'When we stood strong together, Air Canada didn't come to the table in good faith,' the union said in a statement. 'Instead, they called on the federal government to step in and take those rights away. ' At Toronto Pearson airport, flight attendants are picketing with signs that read 'unfAir Canada' and 'unpaid work won't fly,' making it clear that they want better pay and fair treatment. The strike has created chaos for travelers, and it remains uncertain when flights will resume. Until then, thousands of passengers will have to adjust their plans and wait for a resolution.