Air Canada and its flight attendants’ union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have reached a tentative agreement, concluding a nearly four-day strike that began on Saturday and disrupted travel for over 500,000 passengers.
The strike, the first by Air Canada’s cabin crew in 40 years, halted approximately 700 daily flights, affecting the airline’s domestic and international operations.
The agreement, mediated by a government-appointed mediator, awaits ratification by the union’s 10,400 members.
Following nine hours of mediated talks, CUPE announced the tentative deal, stating it achieves “transformational change” for the industry and ensures pay for ground tasks like boarding passengers.
Air Canada confirmed flights would resume gradually starting Tuesday evening, though full service restoration may take up to ten days due to repositioning aircraft and crew.
Some flights will remain canceled during this period, with affected customers offered refunds, travel credits, or rebooking options on other airlines.
The strike stemmed from disputes over pay and unpaid ground work, with CUPE rejecting Air Canada’s offer of a 38% compensation increase over four years as insufficient.
The union also defied a Canada Industrial Relations Board order deeming the strike unlawful, prompting tensions with the government.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged resumed negotiations and announced an investigation into unpaid work allegations in the airline sector.
The agreement addresses key union demands, though specific terms remain undisclosed pending ratification.
The strike stranded travelers like James Numfor, who faced limited support after being stuck in Toronto, and Klaus Hickman, who rebooked flights amid concerns about health and connections.
Despite passenger frustrations, Air Canada’s shares rose 4% in early trading, though they remain down 14% this year.
The resolution allows Canada’s largest carrier, serving 130,000 passengers daily, to begin stabilizing its operations and restoring traveler confidence.