After four tense days of cancellations and disruptions, Air Canada and the union representing about 10,000 flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, officially ending the strike that grounded flights and stranded passengers worldwide. The breakthrough includes a significant concession: compensation for “ground time,” meaning flight attendants will now be paid during boarding and deplaning, a long-standing issue that had been at the center of negotiations.
Under the agreement, attendants will begin receiving 50 percent of their hourly rate for ground duties in the first year of the deal, increasing to 70 percent by the fourth year. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says the deal represents a landmark shift for airline workers in North America, noting that it surpasses provisions in some U.S. airline contracts.
Air Canada has announced that it will begin a gradual resumption of operations on Tuesday evening, starting with key international outbound routes before scaling up to North American services by Wednesday. The carrier has warned, however, that it may take up to 7 to 10 days before schedules return to normal as aircraft and crews are repositioned and connections are restored.
The strike caused widespread disruption, with estimates suggesting that as many as half a million travelers were affected. More than 3,000 flights were canceled, including 1,200 international departures and 1,500 domestic services. Airports across Canada, as well as international hubs in Europe, Asia and the United States, saw significant ripple effects.
For travelers, the immediate priority is to check the status of their bookings through Air Canada’s website or app, as only confirmed itineraries are being cleared to fly. Passengers whose flights were canceled are entitled to either full refunds or rebooking on available flights, including on partner airlines in some cases. While rebooking options have been expanded, the airline continues to caution that passengers should expect further cancellations or delays in the coming days as operations normalize.
Air Canada has also extended flexibility for ticket holders caught in the strike window, allowing fee-free changes and broader eligibility for refunds, even on some non-refundable fares. Customers are encouraged to document all communications, flight changes and receipts in case they need to pursue insurance claims or compensation requests.
Beyond immediate travel headaches, the strike could reshape industry standards. The introduction of ground pay at Air Canada is being closely watched in the United States, where flight attendants have been pressing for similar recognition. Analysts suggest the deal may set a precedent for upcoming contract talks across North America.
The agreement still requires ratification by CUPE members, but the resolution has already begun to calm concerns among passengers and markets. For now, Air Canada is urging travelers to remain patient, monitor their bookings closely and allow extra time as the airline gradually brings its network back to full strength.
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