Air Canada and CUPE Head for Work Stoppage as Labour Talks Stall

Air Canada says it has received a formal 72-hour strike notice from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents approximately 10,000 of the airline’s flight attendants. The union’s notice signals that a work stoppage could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. on August 15, 2025, following months of negotiations for a new collective agreement. In response, the airline has issued its own 72-hour lockout notice to CUPE, stating it aims to bring urgency to the bargaining process.

The airline says it remains committed to reaching an agreement and has proposed resuming talks with the assistance of a federal mediator. However, Air Canada warns that if no deal is reached before the deadline, it will have to suspend all flight operations in Canada and internationally. The company adds that it is making contingency plans and will provide updates to customers if a disruption appears likely.

CUPE has not commented in detail on the strike notice in the press release, but Air Canada asserts that its proposals have been fair and competitive. The company says it regrets the uncertainty for customers but emphasizes that the timing of the notices reflects legal requirements under the Canada Labour Code. Both sides now have until the early hours of August 15 to either reach a settlement or face a shutdown that could impact tens of thousands of travellers across the country and abroad.