Particle.news
Download on the App Store
23 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Return Order, Grounding Operations Into Monday

Ottawa is considering court enforcement of its back-to-work directive in response to the union’s unprecedented defiance.

Passengers walk past an Air Canada sign, ahead of a potential strike by flight attendants of the airline, at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, August 14, 2025. REUTERS/Kyaw Soe Oo/File Photo
Image
Image

Overview

  • CUPE’s 10,000 flight attendants refused to comply with a Canada Industrial Relations Board order to resume work by Sunday afternoon, deeming the directive unconstitutional and challenging it in Federal Court.
  • Air Canada canceled around 240 flights on Sunday and delayed its limited service restart until Monday evening after the union’s defiance.
  • An estimated 700 daily Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights remain suspended, leaving more than 100,000 passengers stranded at major hubs including Toronto Pearson.
  • With Parliament in recess, the government is weighing court enforcement of the CIRB order, potential contempt proceedings and emergency back-to-work legislation.
  • Flight attendants are striking over pay equity and unpaid ground duties, demanding higher wages and compensation for tasks such as boarding and turnaround work.