Operations Resume After Days of Disruption
Air Canada is gradually restarting its flight operations following a tentative agreement reached with the union representing its 10,000 flight attendants. The resolution ends a disruptive strike that affected more than half a million passengers during the peak summer travel season. Flights are set to resume at 4 p.m. ET, although full restoration of service could take over a week, according to company executives.
Strike Highlights Ground Pay Dispute
The labor dispute centered on pay for ground duties, a point the union says has now been resolved in the agreement. “Unpaid work is over,” the union stated, celebrating the deal as a win for labor rights. The breakthrough came after days of defiance from the union, which ignored binding arbitration orders and back-to-work mandates issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
Flight Cancellations and Gradual Recovery
Air Canada estimates that over 1,200 domestic and 1,300 international flights were canceled since Thursday. On Tuesday alone, only half of scheduled flights will operate, with priority given to outbound international routes. North American service will ramp up starting Wednesday morning. The airline is urging passengers to remain patient, as full operational stability could take 7 to 10 days to achieve.
Government and Public Response
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief over the agreement and emphasized fair compensation for workers. Toronto’s Pearson Airport, the nation’s busiest, is deploying additional staff to assist affected travelers. Customers whose flights were canceled are eligible for full refunds through the airline’s digital platforms.
