Disobedient Air Canada cabin crew ignore compulsory return-to-duty mandate
Toronto Pearson International Airport is facing chaos as Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), defy a federal back-to-work order and continue their strike. The strike, which began on August 17, has led to around 3,000 flight cancellations daily, causing severe disruption and costing the airline about $43 million per day.
The government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had intervened last year to head off rail and dock strikes that threatened to cripple the economy. However, in this instance, the government entrusted the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to administer labor disputes under the Canadian Labor Code. Within hours of the strike declaration, the CIRB ordered binding arbitration at the request of Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu.
Despite the order, the union has refused to return to work, calling it unconstitutional and designed to protect the airline's profit. Union leaders could face fines and potential jail time if they continue to defy the back-to-work order, similar to what happened to the union leader of Canadian postal workers in 1978. Professor emeritus Michael Lynk at Western University's Faculty of Law suggests that the government could enforce the order and secure a contempt order if the union refuses to back down.
Frustrated travelers, such as 50-year-old Francesca Tondini from Italy, have had their flights canceled twice with no clear indication when they will depart. Elizabeth Fourney, a passenger from Vancouver, feels left without recourse or options provided by Air Canada.
After several days of disruption, Air Canada and the flight attendants' union reached a mediated settlement as of August 19, 2025. The mediation was overseen by a mutually agreed mediator, William Kaplan. As part of the agreement, the flight attendants committed to immediately return to work, allowing Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge to gradually resume flight operations starting the evening of August 19, though full restoration of service is expected to take 7 to 10 days due to operational challenges.
The union's demand for compensation for time spent on the ground between flights and when helping passengers board is one of the most contentious issues in the dispute. The union has invited Air Canada back to the negotiation table to "negotiate a fair deal." Jennifer Kozelj, Hajdu's press secretary, stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and referred questions to the CIRB.
The minority Liberal government could pass back-to-work legislation, but this would require support from political rivals and approval in both houses of parliament, which is on break until Sept. 15. For now, the situation appears to be resolved primarily through negotiation and mediation, with the union legally challenging the order on the grounds of workers’ rights to strike.
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flight attendants' strike: Union defies federal back-to-work order, mediation begins. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/air-canada-flight-attendants-strike-mediation-1.6119908
[2] Global News. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flight attendants' strike: Mediation begins as union defies back-to-work order. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8277806/air-canada-flight-attendants-strike-mediation-begins/
[3] The Globe and Mail. (2025, August 19). Air Canada flight attendants' strike: Mediation begins as union defies back-to-work order. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/air-canada-flight-attendants-strike-mediation-begins-as-union-defies-back-to-work-order/article39326755/
[1] The ongoing strike by Air Canada flight attendants, amidst financial losses and chaos for the airline, has sparked interest in the realm of finance, business, and general-news.
[2] The Canadian government's handling of the Air Canada flight attendant strike is noteworthy as it involves the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in administering labor disputes and the potential application of a back-to-work order, raising concerns about workers' rights and politics.
[3] The resolution of this labour dispute, through mediation and potential legal challenges, is unfolding under the scrutiny of sports and crime-and-justice sectors, as union leaders face potential fines and jail time for defying the order, mirroring the experience of union leaders from past struggles.
