MONTRÉAL, August 13, 2025 – Air Canada has issued a 72-hour statutory lockout notice to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, following CUPE’s notice of intention to strike. The lockout is aimed at mitigating customer disruption and allowing an orderly wind-down of operations over the next three days.
Flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will be gradually suspended starting August 14, with complete cessation by August 16. Air Canada Express flights, operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines, are not affected. Customers with cancelled flights will be notified and are eligible for a full refund, while those without confirmed bookings are advised not to go to the airport.
Air Canada has requested government-directed arbitration after CUPE rejected an offer that included a 38 percent compensation increase over four years, along with improvements to pensions, ground pay, crew rest, and other benefits. The airline had also proposed binding third-party arbitration, but negotiations did not result in an agreement.
“While we regret the impact this will have on our customers and communities, the union’s stated intention to strike leaves us with no choice but to implement a controlled suspension of operations,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada. He emphasized that an unplanned strike would likely create far greater disruption than a phased, managed wind-down.
Air Canada operates flights to approximately 65 countries across six continents, serving roughly 130,000 customers daily, including 25,000 Canadians returning from international destinations. The controlled suspension allows the airline to notify customers in advance, provide alternative travel options where possible, and position aircraft and crews efficiently.
Customer Support Measures:
- Full refunds for cancelled flights via Air Canada Website or the mobile app.
- Flexible rebooking at no additional cost.
- Notifications on alternative travel arrangements where possible.
- Strong recommendation for customers to check flight status online before heading to the airport.
Air Canada stressed its commitment to continuing good-faith negotiations and remains open to discussions with CUPE. The airline highlighted that recent government interventions in other Canadian industries, such as rail and ports, provide precedent for binding interest arbitration to resolve labor disputes.
