At 00:58 EDT today, we served notice to strike. Just 32 minutes later, at 01:30 EDT, Air Canada locked us out. Read our full bulletin HERE.

This decision was not made lightly. Last night, Air Canada simply walked away from the table, refusing to address critical issues like unpaid work and wages, despite the Union providing reasonable offers. We’ve been here since day one, sleeves rolled up, ready to negotiate. The Company has chosen confrontation over resolution.

We cannot control Air Canada’s actions, but we can control our own. The time to act is NOW!

We believe this Liberal government understands the sacred protections in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Our right to association and our right to strike. And we believe they must respect them. Across the country, we’ve seen an unprecedented wave of support from unionized workers in every sector, proof that when workers are under attack, we stand together.

Now we are calling on all 10,517 members to contact your Member of Parliament. Tell them:

Respect our Charter rights. Respect our right to strike. Support our fight.

Air Canada teaches Canadian values and wraps themselves in the Canadian flag, but the true foundation of Canadian values lies in our Charter that enshrines the ability of workers to level the playing field against corporate power. We will not accept interference. If government crosses that line, we will respond loud and clear—and we ask you to do the same.

Not sure who your MP is? Find them here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en

Sample Letter to Send to Your MP:

Dear (MP’s name),

Re: Air Canada Component of CUPE and Air Canada – Labour Negotiations 

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support collective bargaining, and in particular, the Union’s right to strike. A fair contract can only be reached when both sides have the space to bargain sincerely, openly, and without external pressure. Government intervention undermines this principle and tips the scales against working people.

Please:
• Advocate for non-interference in ongoing negotiations.
• Protect the right of workers and employers to bargain in good faith.
• Promote a fair, transparent, and collaborative bargaining process.

Our community’s strength comes from fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity at work. I expect my elected representatives to uphold these principles and protect the autonomy of workers to reach fair agreements without government interference.

Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Please visit accstrikehq.ca for all strike related information and updates.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Since December 2024, your Bargaining Committee has been at the table with Air Canada, fighting to secure a fair and respectful collective agreement. We have shown up prepared, bargained in good faith, and made progress on some items. Despite our best efforts, Air Canada refused to address our core issues.

When we asked you for a strike mandate, your answer was deafening: 99.7% in favour. That vote sent a crystal clear message flight attendants are united, determined, and ready to stand up for what we deserve.

After reaching an impasse, federal conciliators were brought in. We continued to bargain, putting forward solid, data driven proposals on wages, expenses, and unpaid work, all rooted in fairness and industry standards. Air Canada’s latest response made one thing clear: they are not interested in resolving these issues.

Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees workers the right to bargain collectively and when necessary, to strike. These rights are the foundation of a fair and just society.

When we stood strong together, Air Canada didn’t come to the table in good faith. Instead, they called on the federal government to step in and take those rights away. This is exactly why our solidarity matters. We believe our government must uphold the principles it is sworn to protect, not undermine them. We call on the Liberal government to respect our right to take job action in pursuit of a fair contract.

At 00:58h EST today, we officially served notice to strike. This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary. We are ready, We are strong and we will not back down!

Now, we need every member to take action: Contact your Member of Parliament today. Tell them to respect our right to strike and to support our fight for fair compensation for all the work we do.

Please click [Here] to see the official 72-hour notice that has been sent to the employer. Subsequently, at 01:30h EST the Company issued lock out notice to the Union, please click [Here] to review the letter.

We will issue a further update this evening.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Congratulations on a powerful and successful Day of Action.

Now, we move forward. Strike HQs are open at every base, this is where we regroup, re-energize, and receive direction on a picket line. Effective immediately, local operations will be functioning out of  these HQs.

Follow the direction of our Union. No exceptions. Our strength is discipline, unity, and numbers. Every member counts.

Check your local bulletins shortly for your HQ location and hours.

In Solidarity,

Strike Aversion Committee

A day to remember, for a few reasons.

From coast to coast, from Vancouver to Halifax, from Calgary to Toronto and Montreal, Mainline to Rouge, Junior to Senior, you showed up. You stood shoulder to shoulder. You made it clear to Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and to the country, that we are united, strong, and ready.

The photos pouring in from our August 11 Day of Action say it all: a wall of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants, unwavering in purpose and powerful in solidarity. To every member who stood in silent protest, to those on layover who found creative ways to participate, and to those who brought the message onboard, you made history.

A heartfelt thank you to our Local Executives and Strike & Mobilization Committees for their tireless work in making the Day of Action a success. Special thanks to Component Strike Aversion Chair Shanyn Elliott and Local Strike Committee Chairs Jessica Matte, Larry Roy, Oliver Cooper, Daylen Mitansky, Brittany Thomas, and Courtney Kenny for going above and beyond. We are also grateful to CUPE National and their staff representatives for standing with us every step of the way, including CUPE National President Mark Hancock, who joined us in Toronto to show his support in person. Our thanks as well to the broader labour movement and trade unions across the country for their overwhelming outpouring of solidarity.

This powerful display of unity was built on the unprecedented strike mandate you delivered  with 94.6% of members voting and 99.7% voting yes. That is a clear and undeniable message: we are in this together, and we will not be divided. Armed with this mandate, we returned to the bargaining table, backed by our legal counsel and CUPE National, pressing the Company on the issues that matter most to you.

We are now in the most critical stage of bargaining — the moment where the most significant decisions are made and the core issues must be addressed without delay or distraction. The strength you’ve shown on the line and in the air gives us the leverage to hold firm. We will not waver until we secure an agreement that recognizes your value, your work, and your sacrifices.

Instead of continuing to negotiate, Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have decided they no longer want to negotiate with your Union. They have given your union a “proposal” to walk away from the table by way of a formal letter which can be found HERE. The Company wants us to agree to arbitration rather than to continue to bargain a new contract with your union. The Company has communicated we are too far apart.

To be explicitly clear, your Union, based on your overwhelming support, has put forward a proposal seeking cost of living enhancements each year, a catch up to where we should be at for 2025 and to ensure we are paid the best in Canada, and not by an unreasonable amount.

The Union has been pursuing your clear priority for 100% pay for all hours worked, however Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have so far proposed to only recognize a portion of your vital safety contributions and only at 50%.

Air Canada has seen how determined and united flight attendants are to end unpaid work and win a real cost-of-living increase to wages.

Everyone knows that the best deals are made at the bargaining table, not handed down by an outside third party.

Why do they want arbitration?

First, arbitrators rely on precedent and the status quo to make their determinations. But Air Canada flight attendants are trying to break the status quo by ending the historic abuse of unpaid work in this industry. Air Canada wants an arbitrator to do their dirty work for them to keep the status quo intact.

Second, an arbitrator’s determination would be final. Members would not get a chance to vote on this outcome. Air Canada wants to go to arbitration because they want to take away our members’ democratic voice and close this deal to their liking, and not with the mutual consent of the membership.

Your union has declined the Company’s proposal to preserve an exploitative system and strip away your voice. Please see our responding letter HERE. We remain at the bargaining table, ready to negotiate the fair deal you deserve.

We have stood together, we have made our message clear now it’s time for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge to respect workers and deliver the contract we’ve earned.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

📢 NATIONWIDE DAY OF ACTION 📢
AUGUST 11TH 2025
Calling all members: It’s time to stand up and show up!

You voted, now it’s time to act. With a strong strike mandate behind us, we are calling for a Nationwide Day of Action (DOA) on Monday, August 11th to show unified support for your Bargaining Committee.  Please show up on this day in your Uniform.

(This is NOT a Strike, this is a Day of Action)

Action Times by Base:

• YUL/YMQ – 13:00h ET
• YYZ/YTO – 13:00h ET
• YYC – 11:00h MT
• YVR – 10:00h PT

We are inviting ALL members to stand in solidarity with your Bargaining Committee, while they bargain, as we continue to push for a fair deal at the table.

We understand that you may have wanted to bid this day off in advance, bargaining is a fluid and evolving process, and this action is in direct response to where things stand at the table.

With your support and your presence, we send a powerful message: Your participation is critical.

This is our time to stand up.

This is our time to stand strong.

This is our time to show our employer: NO MORE DIVERSIONS! FAIR CONTRACT NOW!

See you on August 11th.

Local Bulletins will follow with specific details pertaining to your base.

Please remember to go to accstrikehq.ca for updates as they come out, and if you are a commuter, please ensure you fill out the link so the Union is aware and can ensure you are captured in any work action that may arise.

If you have any questions kindly reach out to your local Strike Chairs.

YUL greve.strike4091@gmail.com
YYZ strike@local4092.ca
YYC strike@local4095.ca
YVR strike@local4094.ca
YTO/YMQ strike@cupe4098.ca

In Solidarity,

Strike Aversion Committee

The Air Canada Component Strike Vote closed at 14:00 (EDT) today, August 5, 2025.

The results of the strike vote are as follows:

Percentage of YES votes: 99.7%
Percentage of NO votes: 0.3%

Percentage of the Membership that voted: 94.6%

If you participated in this election, you were issued an anonymous voting receipt code (accessible only online for 14 days after the vote closes). The results & breakdown will be published to the Air Canada Component of CUPE voting website https://accomponent.simplyvoting.com for viewing, and a spreadsheet of vote data will be made available for download to track your receipt.

We thank all of the members who exercised their right to vote.

In Solidarity,

Your Component Tabulating Committee

After months of bargaining and conciliation, we have reached an impasse with the employer. The company continues to show no willingness to meaningfully address the critical issues on the table: fair wages, compensation for all time worked, safe and humane working conditions, and a path forward that recognizes your professional value.

It is now time to take the next step. We are calling for a strike vote to secure a strong strike mandate, one that sends a clear and unified message: we will not settle for less than we deserve. A strong “YES” vote is our most powerful tool.

The Air Canada Component Strike Vote commenced at 14:00 (EDT) on July 28, 2025 and will close at 14:00 (EDT) on August 5, 2025.

To ensure you are fully informed before casting your vote, Membership Information Sessions will be held via Zoom. These sessions will explain why a “YES” vote is essential and answer any questions you may have.

Please register in advance by clicking the link below the session you wish to attend:

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 14:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-hQYjVH3QkOOxhpDRw8yAg

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 15:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1vcXZn84QGKSuK-8E-Umgg

Friday August 1, 2025 at 12:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1c_JHJzSySkhJ2AYTj48A

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the information needed to join your selected session.

Over the past few days, your Strike Aversion Committee, Mobilization Chair, Local Executives, and Component Officers have met with members across the system, sharing lanyards and bracelets to continue building momentum and visibility. We know that for many, especially our junior and probationary members, this process may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. As flight attendants, we are trained to prioritize the comfort and safety of others. But now, we are asking you to prioritize each other.

Let us be crystal clear: You cannot be disciplined, suspended, or terminated for participating in any legal, Union-sanctioned activity, including strike votes and mobilization efforts. Junior and probationary members have the same legal protections and rights as any other member. You are not alone. You are part of something bigger, and we will stand with you.

This is your moment. This is our moment.

The company is making record profits. You are the face of this airline. You are the reason Air Canada has been awarded “Best Airline in North America.” You have worked through a pandemic, navigated unprecedented operational challenges, and represented this company with professionalism and pride. Now is the time to demand recognition and respect.

Taking action may feel uncomfortable but nothing worth having ever came without courage. Our movement is built on solidarity, unity, and determination. This is about fair pay for all hours worked. It’s about a safe, dignified workplace. It’s about your future.

We’ve heard concerns from some Service Directors about ground service. Let us be clear: Safety is our priority. Once all safety responsibilities are completed, including securing baggage, aisles, and overhead bins, any further ground service should only be completed if time permits, you should always be following your SOP’s, review them prior to your flight and follow them, now is the time to show solidarity and strict adherence to safety first and last. Our contract is built on the understanding that your primary role is safety. That is the standard you are expected to uphold, and that is the foundation of your protection.

This is your time to take back power, to demand fairness, and to feel the strength of standing shoulder to shoulder with your colleagues. When we stand together, we win.

Vote YES. Stand strong. This is your moment.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

The Air Canada Component Strike Vote began at 14:00 (EDT) today, July 28, 2025 and will close at 14:00 (EDT) on August 5, 2025.

The question being asked in this Strike Vote is:

Do you authorize the union to call a strike, if necessary?
[  ] YES
[  ] NO

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: You should have received a letter by email, and by regular mail for those that did not opt out of physical mailings, directly from Simply Voting prior to the vote opening. This letter contains a new Elector ID and Password, along with detailed instructions on how to vote online and by telephone.

If you have not received either the letter from Simply Voting by regular mail, or the email this morning from Simply Voting, please email us at vote@accomponent.ca. Please include ALL of the following information: your full name, your employee number, your local number, your telephone number, your mailing address, and your email address. As we having multiple votes running at the same time, please also advise that you are looking for your voting information for the STRIKE VOTE.

You have the option of voting by web, or by phone, as per Component Bylaws. You will need your new Elector ID and Password to access the system.

Once you have submitted your vote, the Simply Voting system will issue a printable electronic receipt. If you are voting by phone, you can only access your electronic receipt by logging into the Simply Voting system online.

If you are experiencing difficulties registering your vote, please e-mail vote@accomponent.ca or call 1-877-411-3552, extension 254 or (416) 798-3399, extension 254. Please provide us with your name, employee number, local number, phone number, e-mail address, and postal code. As we having multiple votes running at the same time, please also advise that you are looking for your voting information for the STRIKE VOTE. We will respond as quickly as possible during business hours (weekdays 9:00am – 4:00pm EDT), however, please allow us 1 business day to respond.

We ask that everyone click HERE to review the Election Guidelines. These guidelines pertain to the entire membership.

In Solidarity,

Your Component Tabulating Committee

As outlined in yesterday’s bulletin (click HERE to view), the conciliation process has concluded without a tentative agreement to bring forward to the membership. We are now preparing to move forward with a strong Strike Mandate and are seeking your support.

The Air Canada Component Strike Vote will commence at 14:00 (EDT) on July 28, 2025 and will close at 14:00 (EDT) on August 5, 2025.

To ensure you are fully informed before casting your vote, Membership Information Sessions will be held via Zoom. These sessions will explain why a “YES” vote is essential and answer any questions you may have.

Please register in advance by clicking the link below the session you wish to attend:

Monday, July 28, 2025 at 13:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i5LN4fsAQXabZ4t51R-Deg

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 14:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-hQYjVH3QkOOxhpDRw8yAg

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 15:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1vcXZn84QGKSuK-8E-Umgg

Friday August 1, 2025 at 12:00h ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1c_JHJzSySkhJ2AYTj48A

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the information needed to join your selected session.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

The Air Canada Component Strike Vote will commence at 14:00 (EDT) on July 28, 2025 and will close at 14:00 (EDT) on August 5, 2025.

Question:
Do you authorize the union to call a strike, if necessary?
[  ] YES
[  ] NO

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: You will receive a letter by email, and by regular mail for those that did not opt out of physical mailings, directly from Simply Voting. This letter will contain a new Elector ID and Password, along with detailed instructions on how to vote online and by telephone.

You have the option of voting by web, or by phone, as per Component Bylaws. You will need your new Elector ID and Password to access the system.

Once you have submitted your vote, the Simply Voting system will issue a printable electronic receipt. If you are voting by phone, you can only access your electronic receipt by logging into the Simply Voting system online.

If you are experiencing difficulties registering your vote, please e-mail vote@accomponent.ca or call 1-877-411-3552, extension 254 or (416) 798-3399, extension 254. Please provide us with your name, employee number, local number, phone number, e-mail address, and postal code. We will respond as quickly as possible during business hours (weekdays 9:00am – 4:00pm EDT), however, please allow us 1 business day to respond.

As the campaigning process begins, we ask that everyone click HERE to review the Election Guidelines. These guidelines pertain to the entire membership.

In Solidarity,

Your Component Tabulating Committee