On August 19, 2025, there is a renewed sense of optimism that a resolution to the ongoing strike by Air Canada's flight attendants may be in sight. This comes after announcements from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), indicating that both Air Canada and the union representatives convened for discussions the previous night, aided by a mediator.

In response to the strike, Air Canada has suspended all flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge until 4 p.m. ET today. The airline's Chief Operating Officer emphasized that for the negotiations to progress, flight attendants must return to their posts. The union, however, remains firm in its stance, asserting that the strike will continue unless a satisfactory negotiated settlement is achieved.

Despite the federal government's efforts to enforce binding arbitration over the weekend, Air Canada flight attendants are defying an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which mandated a return to work on Sunday. Consequently, the Board ruled that the strike is illegal. CUPE, along with other labor leaders, has criticized the federal government's repeated invocation of Section 107 of the labor code, claiming it undermines workers' rights to strike and pushes them into arbitration without fair negotiations.

A significant point of contention for the flight attendants is compensation for duties performed prior to takeoff, which the union argues is not adequately addressed in their current contracts. Air Canada estimates that around 500,000 flights have been canceled since the onset of the strike, leaving many travelers stranded and affecting the airline's operations at a critical time.

The situation remains fluid as talks resume, with CUPE cautioning its members that the strike is still ongoing and negotiations have just begun. Both parties are under pressure to come to an agreement that will ensure the resumption of services and restore normalcy for passengers affected by the cancellations.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders from both Air Canada and CUPE are keenly aware of the implications of the ongoing strike—not just for the airline's reputation and customer relations, but also for employees fighting for fair working conditions and rights. The outcome of these negotiations is anticipated with great interest, as it may set precedents for labor relations in Canada moving forward.