August 13, 2025
RED FM News
Toronto, ON – Air Canada has begun cancelling flights as it braces for a potential strike by 10,000 flight attendants set to start at 12:58 a.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16.
The Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) served strike notice early Wednesday, saying members are fighting for fair wages and pay for unpaid ground duties. Last week, 99.7% voted in favour of a strike mandate.
In response, Air Canada has issued a lockout notice for Saturday and will wind down most mainline and Rouge flights over the next three days. Cancellations start Thursday, with all affected customers eligible for refunds. Air Canada Express flights will continue.
“We regret the impact, but an orderly suspension is better than chaos,” said CEO Michael Rousseau.
Contract talks between the two sides began early this year but ended in conciliation without a deal. CUPE has rejected binding arbitration.
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