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1h ago

Air Canada Nears Full Schedule After Flight Attendants’ Strike Ends With Tentative Deal

Union members vote next week on a four-year pact featuring paid ground time plus wage increases.

An Air Canada flight attendant arrives at Toronto Pearson International Airport, following the end of the Air Canada labour strike, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, August 19, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
On Tuesday, the Air Canada counter at YLW was packed with passengers, anxiously trying to rebook cancelled flights as many were unable to do so online or over the phone.
Air Canada flight attendants arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport, following the end of the Air Canada labour strike, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, August 19, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

Overview

  • Operational recovery accelerated Thursday, with the airline projecting 98% of domestic, 99% of U.S., and 94% of international flights to operate within 24 hours, and data showing only about 30 cancellations by mid‑day as all available aircraft returned to service.
  • Air Canada launched an exceptional reimbursement policy for trips scheduled Aug. 15–23 when it could not rebook customers, covering reasonable fares on other airlines or ground transport, though claims currently require direct booking with the carrier.
  • The tentative agreement outlines immediate raises of 12% for most junior flight attendants and 8% for more senior staff, followed by increases of 3% in 2026, 2.5% in 2027, and 2.75% in 2028.
  • Ground duties would be newly compensated at 50% of hourly pay for 60 minutes on narrow‑body flights and 70 minutes on wide‑bodies this year, stepping up to 70% by 2028.
  • CUPE’s ratification vote runs Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, with many non‑wage terms and the new ground‑pay rules already finalized, and wages to be decided by arbitration if members reject the deal as analysts flag heavy short‑term losses and the airline withdraws 2025 guidance.