Air Canada prepares to cancel flights in advance of a potential strike, causing concern for travelers. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants issued a strike notice, triggering a potential walkout that could disrupt around 130,000 customers daily. Passengers, including Robin Benard who faces travel uncertainty for her upcoming wedding in Australia, express stress over the situation. Air Canada plans a phased wind-down of operations, with cancellations starting Thursday and escalating through the weekend if a resolution is not reached with the flight attendants’ union.
In response to the strike notice, Air Canada announced a lockout beginning early Saturday morning. Affected customers will receive notifications of flight cancellations and be eligible for refunds. The airline aims to accommodate passengers with alternative travel options and offers flexibility for ticket changes in light of the potential strike.
Air Canada faces obligations under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations to communicate flight disruptions and provide suitable solutions or refunds to affected travelers. Negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada revolve around wages, work regulations, and unpaid hours, with an impasse leading to the looming strike. Despite recent talks, significant differences remain unresolved, escalating tensions between the union and the airline.