Air Canada has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights after a surprise strike by its staff brought operations to a standstill. The industrial action, which began early this morning, has left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across Canada and beyond.
Widespread Disruption for Passengers
The airline confirmed that over 200 flights had been axed by midday, with further cancellations expected as the strike continues. Major hubs including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, and Montréal-Trudeau have been particularly affected, with long queues forming at customer service desks.
Union Demands at Heart of Dispute
The strike comes after months of failed negotiations between Air Canada management and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents approximately 8,000 of the airline's customer service and sales staff. Key sticking points include:
- Wage increases to match inflation
- Improved working conditions
- Job security provisions
Passenger Advice and Alternatives
Air Canada has advised affected passengers to:
- Check flight status online before heading to the airport
- Consider rebooking options through their website
- Explore refund or travel credit alternatives
The airline has stated it will waive change fees for flights scheduled during the strike period, though availability on alternative flights remains extremely limited.
Industry-Wide Impact
The strike is causing ripple effects throughout the aviation industry, with:
- Competitor airlines seeing surge in demand
- Hotel bookings spiking near major airports
- Ground transportation services overwhelmed
Industry analysts warn the disruption could cost Air Canada millions in lost revenue and compensation claims if the strike continues beyond 48 hours.
