As Air Canada flight attendants prepare for a possible strike in 2025, many travelers are asking about their wages and what this labor dispute means for upcoming flights. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents more than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and its leisure airline, Air Canada Rouge. While contract talks continue, the possibility of a strike hangs over the airline’s mainline operations, though flights operated by Jazz and PAL under Air Canada Express are not affected.
How Much Do Air Canada Flight Attendants Make?
According to Air Canada, about half of its mainline flight attendants earned over $54,000 in 2024, excluding incentive rewards, health benefits, and pension contributions. Flight attendants with up to ten years of service can reach earnings of more than $70,000 annually. These salaries reflect the demanding nature of the job, which includes long hours, irregular schedules, and significant responsibilities for passenger safety and comfort.
Will Air Canada Jazz Be Affected by the Strike?
The upcoming potential strike involves flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) at Air Canada’s mainline operations and its leisure airline, Air Canada Rouge. However, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL are not part of this labor dispute and will not be affected by the strike action. Passengers flying on Jazz-operated flights can expect services to continue as usual.
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The Current Labour Situation
Flight attendants overwhelmingly voted in favor of strike action, with 99.7 percent supporting the move in early August 2025. However, a strike is not guaranteed. The union and the airline remain in negotiations, and both sides hope to reach an agreement before any work stoppage.
The earliest potential strike date is August 16, 2025, following a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period after the union filed for conciliation. Should the union decide to strike, it must provide a 72-hour notice, meaning travelers could receive official notification of a strike as early as August 13.
What Flights Would Be Affected?
A strike would impact Air Canada’s mainline and Rouge flights but would not affect Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL. The airline has not confirmed specific contingency plans but states it will keep customers informed through email and text messages if disruptions occur. Passengers are advised to monitor their communications carefully and check spam folders to avoid missing important updates.
How Is Air Canada Preparing?
Air Canada has emphasized its commitment to reaching a fair agreement with flight attendants. The airline also promises to explore options to assist affected travelers, including rebooking flights with other carriers if necessary. As negotiations continue, the airline urges passengers to stay informed and patient amid the uncertainty.
Will the Air Canada Strike Affect My Flight?
If Air Canada employees go on strike, the disruption is considered to be “outside the carrier’s control.” In this case, Air Canada is still required to assist affected passengers by rebooking them on the next available flight operated by Air Canada or one of its partner airlines, subject to certain conditions. Alternatively, passengers are entitled to a full refund if they choose not to travel.
What is the 35-7 Rule for Flight Attendants?
The 35-7 rule is a guideline from the U.S. Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) that applies to reserve flight attendants—those on call without a fixed flight assignment. According to this rule, reserve flight attendants cannot work more than 35 hours of flying time within a seven-day period. This is designed to prevent fatigue and ensure safety.
What Happens If a Flight Gets Cancelled Due to a Strike?
Passengers whose flights are cancelled due to a strike and who were not given at least 14 days’ notice are entitled to compensation. The airline must offer a rebooking on an alternative flight within a reasonable time frame or provide a full refund for the cancelled flight.
Can I Get a Refund If Air Canada Cancels My Flight?
If your Air Canada flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours due to reasons within the airline’s control, you can request a refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including applicable fees or purchased travel options. To request a refund, passengers should contact Air Canada Reservations directly.
How Long Do Airline Strikes Usually Last?
Airline strikes tend to be relatively short, often lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, some strikes may extend longer depending on how quickly the airline and union reach an agreement. The duration varies widely based on negotiation dynamics and the issues at stake.
How Long is the Strike Notice for Air Canada?
After failing to reach an agreement during a 60-day negotiation period with a federal conciliation officer, a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period began on July 26, 2025. Starting August 16, either Air Canada or the union can issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice. This means the earliest a strike could begin is 72 hours after such a notice is given.
When Was the Last Time Air Canada Went on Strike?
Air Canada’s most recent significant strike activity involved its pilots in 2017, which led to temporary disruptions. Since then, flight attendants have threatened strike action multiple times, including in 2025 amid ongoing contract disputes, but actual walkouts have been avoided or short-lived due to ongoing negotiations.
What’s Next?
The week ahead will be critical as bargaining sessions continue. Both Air Canada and CUPE face pressure to avoid a strike, which could significantly disrupt travel plans across Canada and internationally. For passengers planning to fly with Air Canada this summer, keeping an eye on the situation is essential, as the outcome of these talks will directly impact their journeys.
This labor dispute highlights the complex balance between fair compensation for frontline workers and the smooth operation of a major airline. As the Air Canada flight attendants strike 2025 situation unfolds, all eyes remain on whether a last-minute deal can be reached to keep flights on schedule.