Air Canada has proposed a 32.5% total compensation increase for its flight attendants as part of ongoing contract negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), in an effort to avert a looming strike that could disrupt operations across the country.
The airline’s offer includes improvements to wages, benefits, and bonuses. However, the proposal comes amid heightened tensions, as more than 10,000 flight attendants recently voted 99.7% in favor of a strike mandate, signaling deep dissatisfaction with current working conditions especially around unpaid labor.
Union Demands Go Beyond Pay
CUPE, which represents Air Canada’s flight attendants, has argued that crew members perform a wide range of duties such as safety checks, boarding assistance, and post-flight cleanup without pay. The union also notes that entry-level wages have risen by just 10% since 2000, far below the pace of inflation.
“We’re not just fighting for better wages,” said a CUPE representative. “We’re fighting for recognition and fair compensation for all the work flight attendants are required to perform.”
Clock Ticking Toward Potential Strike
Negotiations began in December 2024 after the previous collective agreement expired in March. If talks fail to yield a deal, flight attendants could legally strike as early as 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 16, provided the union gives a 72-hour strike notice.
Both sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Friday. The airline has said it remains committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to employees while protecting its operations.
Industry Impact and Broader Implications
A strike could cause major disruptions at one of Canada’s busiest airlines during the tail end of the summer travel season. It could also set a precedent for how unpaid work in the airline industry is addressed, echoing similar labor efforts seen recently in the United States and Europe.
The 32.5% increase is one of the most substantial compensation proposals in recent Canadian airline labor talks, but union leaders have yet to confirm whether it sufficiently addresses members’ concerns particularly around the issue of unpaid time on duty.
