Air Canada Strike Deepens as Union Defies Back-to-Work Order
The standoff between Air Canada and its flight attendants has escalated into a major national crisis, with the union representing more than 10,000 workers refusing to comply with a federal back-to-work order. Despite the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s directive, the strike pressed on through Monday, paralyzing the airline’s operations and leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded across the country.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, led by national president Mark Hancock, has taken a firm stance, even at the risk of heavy fines and possible jail time. In a defiant press conference at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, Hancock declared that his members would not be ordered back, despite the government ruling the strike illegal. He expressed sympathy for the passengers whose travel plans were thrown into chaos, but he emphasized that the fight was about dignity and fairness in the workplace. According to him, if it meant facing legal consequences, so be it.
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Air Canada quickly cancelled its full schedule of 723 flights on Monday and announced that all flights up until Tuesday afternoon would also be suspended. The airline criticized CUPE’s refusal to comply, calling it a reckless disregard for the law and a direct attack on the travel plans of Canadians. Officials described the situation as deeply concerning, arguing that the union’s actions undermine confidence in the country’s legal and labour systems.
Meanwhile, the federal government attempted to strike a delicate balance. Labour Minister Patty Hajdu not only pushed for binding arbitration to resolve the impasse but also announced an inquiry into unpaid work practices in the airline industry. The statement, emphasizing that no Canadian should work for free, was widely seen as a concession to union concerns. However, the move did little to cool tensions as the strike continued.
The fallout has been severe for travelers. Families have found themselves stranded in unfamiliar cities, facing mounting hotel and food costs, and in some cases running out of medication. One family from Alberta reported being stuck in Montreal with only expired food vouchers and no assistance from Air Canada. Stories like these have fueled frustration, leading to a class-action lawsuit being filed against the airline by passengers demanding compensation.
Legal experts have warned that the union is courting significant risks by defying the labour board’s ruling. Fines could reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and CUPE’s leadership may face contempt charges if noncompliance continues. Air Canada could also pursue damages for lost revenue. Yet, some labour scholars argue that the government’s repeated use of back-to-work orders has eroded trust in the system, making defiance almost inevitable.
For now, picket lines remain in place at airports, chants echo through terminals, and uncertainty hangs over passengers and workers alike. Both sides have returned to mediated talks, but the strike remains active. The situation has become more than just a labour dispute—it has become a test of how far unions are willing to go in the face of federal intervention, and how much disruption Canadians are prepared to endure while a resolution is sought.
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