Air Canada ends cabin crew walkout after union deal

Cabin crew ended a walkout after a government mediated deal, paving the way for flights to restart.

Air Canada resumes flights after union deal

Air Canada said flights would resume on Tuesday after a tentative agreement with the union representing flight attendants. The walkout grounded flights and left thousands of passengers stranded since Saturday, as more than 10,000 staff protested over pay and scheduling. The union said it approved the tentative deal, which will be sent to members for ratification, while the airline did not disclose terms. Talks began with a government-appointed mediator and lasted nine hours, leading to the breakthrough.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over pay in the aviation sector and the role of mediation in avoiding prolonged disruption.

The quick turn from walkout to agreement shows how essential mediator roles are in Canada. The airline will now face the challenge of implementing terms and restoring service reliability. The outcome may influence future wage talks in Canada and set a precedent for how large employers handle labor disputes during busy travel periods.

Public patience with air travel is fragile; even after a deal, delays and cancellations can linger as schedules normalize. Policymakers may rethink how to balance economic needs with workers' rights in critical industries like aviation.

Highlights

The real test will come as terms are implemented and services normalize.