THUNDER BAY – July 29, 2025 | NetNewsLedger National News – More than 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants are one step closer to launching a nationwide strike after contract talks with the airline failed to yield results. With negotiations stalled and a “cooling-off period” underway, the union representing cabin crews says workers may walk off the job as early as August 16—potentially triggering major disruptions at airports across Canada, including Toronto Pearson, the airline’s busiest hub.
The flight attendants, represented by the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), began voting on July 28 to authorize a strike mandate. The vote runs until August 5, and if a majority approve, the union can give 72 hours’ strike notice once the federally mandated cooling-off period ends.
“We’ve reached an impasse,” said union leaders, citing broken negotiations and mounting financial pressure on their members. “Now is the time to show unity and strength.”
Wages, Work Rules, and Fairness at Core of Dispute
The current labour dispute stems from a contract first signed in 2015 that expired this past March 31. That agreement gave flight attendants a 2% annual pay raise, but union officials now argue the deal is outdated and does not reflect the cost-of-living realities in 2025.
Talks with Air Canada began in December 2024 but collapsed in May, prompting CUPE to request federal mediation. Despite the involvement of four federal mediators, no progress has been made.
Key unresolved issues include:
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Better pay and fair compensation
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Unpaid hours while on duty
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Meal and travel allowances (per diems)
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Pension improvements
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Clear work/rest rules and scheduling protections
CUPE says many flight attendants are struggling to make ends meet, with entry-level full-time workers earning just $1,951.30 per month—a wage the union calls “unlivable.”
A recent internal union survey revealed 92% of members are willing to strike if necessary.
What This Means for Thunder Bay and Other Regional Hubs
While much of the focus is on major cities like Toronto, regional air travel may also feel the impact of a potential strike. Thunder Bay International Airport, which serves as a key link for northern travellers, students, and medical patients, could experience flight delays, cancellations, and reduced service.
Any disruption at Toronto Pearson or Montreal-Trudeau, both major Air Canada transit hubs, could create ripple effects for connecting flights across Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
What Happens Next
Both sides are now in a 21-day cooling-off period, which ends in mid-August. If no deal is reached by then, CUPE could issue a strike notice, or Air Canada could move to lock out workers.
In the meantime, union officials are urging all members to vote in favour of the strike mandate to strengthen their position at the bargaining table.
“This is about dignity, fairness, and survival,” CUPE representatives said. “We’re ready to negotiate—but we’re also ready to act.”
