Labour dispute escalates as travel chaos deepens across Canada
August 16, 2025 — The union representing Air Canada flight attendants has announced that its members will continue their strike despite a federal government order to return to work, setting the stage for a major confrontation between the airline, its employees, and Ottawa.
The decision, confirmed late Friday, comes after the government moved to legislate an end to the strike, citing the severe impact on passengers and the national economy. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 9,000 flight attendants, said it will not comply with the back-to-work order, calling it “an attack on workers’ rights.”
“We are standing firm,” a union spokesperson said. “Our members deserve fair wages and better working conditions, and we will not be intimidated by threats of legal action.”
The strike, which began earlier this week, has already forced the cancellation of over 620 flights, stranding thousands of travelers across Canada and abroad. The airline has warned that more cancellations and disruptions are inevitable as long as the work stoppage continues.
Air Canada has urged the union to respect the government’s directive and return to negotiations, while Ottawa has signaled that it may pursue legal remedies if the strike persists.
Industry experts warn that the standoff could have widespread economic consequences, particularly during the busy summer travel season. For now, passengers are being advised to check flight status regularly and prepare for extended delays and possible rerouting.