Canada’s industrial relations board has ruled a strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants illegal, ordering them to return to work. The move came after the federal government imposed binding arbitration to resolve a bitter wage dispute that halted hundreds of flights and disrupted global travel.
Strike and government intervention
Flight attendants walked off the job on Saturday following failed negotiations over pay. Air Canada had warned the strike could impact 130,000 passengers daily. Within hours, Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked emergency powers to force arbitration, calling talks “stalled.” The Canadian Union of Public Employees denounced the order as unconstitutional, accusing the government of siding with the airline.
Union backlash and legal battle
The union vowed to challenge the arbitration in federal court, alleging the decision violated Charter rights. Wesley Lesosky of CUPE argued the government handed Air Canada “unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants” while the company enjoys record profits. The labour board’s directive warned members they must resume duties immediately or face steep fines and possible arrests.
Impact on Air Canada
The shutdown has already forced Air Canada to suspend financial guidance for the third quarter and full year, with daily losses estimated in the tens of millions. Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the essential role of flight attendants but stressed the importance of fair compensation. The airline said it aimed to restore flights on Monday as the dispute enters arbitration.
