As many members are likely aware, today was a Day of Action at airports across the country from coast to coast.
https://mailchi.mp/a0844afc7651/bargaining-committee-update-37-8110910
We have received overwhelming support from the public and from Union workers everywhere. This is an historic moment for labour and for workers across the country.
There was a late-night hearing at the Canada Industrial Relations Board with your Bargaining Committee, private legal counsel and legal representatives from CUPE National.
Air Canada legal counsel representatives also attended. The hearing was being held in relation to the decision of Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu to order us back to work. She has exercised her authority under section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to “order the parties to resume and continue their operations and duties”.
As of 14:00 EDT on August 17th, 2025, the CIRB has ordered Air Canada to resume operations and for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to resume their duties. Further, they have ordered that the Collective Agreement that expired, be extended. You can find the Air Canada press release HERE.
CUPE National President Mark Hancock made it loud and clear that our members will NOT be returning to work until such time as the government orders Air Canada back to the bargaining table where we can reach a tentative agreement that our members can vote on. We will not have our rights and protections removed.
For members who are overseas and being advised by the employer to report for work it is our position that we are still on strike, and you are not required to report to work. If you are impacted in a negative way after 14:00 EDT please reach out to us and we will assist you.
For those who are stranded mid-pairing and seeking direction from the union you are now wondering what will happen and when there might be a resolution. We cannot say when that might happen. What we can tell you is that you have the full support of the union and have put processes into place.
If you are contacted by the company, you are not required to answer your phone. If you do, please state: “My Union advised that we are still on strike. They have instructed me not to return to work until advised by them. If you have any questions, please contact my union”. It is important to note that it is NOT a criminal offense to remain on strike.
If you are advised by the employer that you will not receive per diems or have run out of the ability to pay for your meal expenses CUPE National has committed to providing funding for this.
If it is absolutely necessary for you to get back to Canada (one of our four crew bases) for personal reasons, the Air Canada Component and CUPE National will pay for the costs of your transportation. This includes any flights to get you back.
For those members who have not yet done so, please sign up for picketing duties to receive compensation from the Union. If you have any questions about that go to https://accstrikehq.ca/ for more information.
We know and understand that for some of our members this is a challenging scenario. Please know that we are here for you. Do NOT hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you have. We will all get through this together and we will leave no member without resources or support.
Keep in mind that there is strength in numbers. There are 10,517 of us and the whole country is standing behind us. We are fighting for what is right. While we stand together, the employer cannot break our solidarity. If they come after any single member they will understand very quickly that the Union has their back.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee