Air Canada flight attendants defy government back-to-work order

More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants are continuing their strike in open defiance of a federal back-to-work order, escalating a dispute that has disrupted flights and raised questions about the limits of government intervention in industrial action. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the airline’s cabin crew, confirmed on Sunday that members would remain off the job despite orders to return by 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

The decision came after Canada’s jobs minister, Patty Hajdu, invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code on Saturday. The provision empowers the minister to require the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene in order to “secure industrial peace and protect the interests of Canada, Canadians and the economy.” CNN reported that CUPE accused Air Canada of pushing for government intervention instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations. “We invite Air Canada back to the bargaining table, rather than relying on the federal government to do their dirty work for them when bargaining gets a little bit tough,” the union said in a statement.

The strike has already caused widespread disruption. Air Canada cancelled 240 flights on Sunday afternoon, saying CUPE had “illegally directed its flight attendant members” to ignore the CIRB’s order. The airline announced it would notify customers of cancellations, advised travellers not to go to airports without confirmed bookings on other airlines, and stated it expected normal services to resume by Monday evening.

The dispute escalated after CUPE members voted 99.7% in favour of strike action last week and walked out early on Saturday. Flight attendants are demanding higher wages and compensation for duties performed while aircraft remain grounded. Air Canada has countered that it has already offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, alongside a 12% to 16% hourly pay rise in the first year.

As CNN noted, the standoff has left the government in a difficult position, trying to balance workers’ rights to strike with the need to protect Canada’s economy and air transport system. The outcome of CUPE’s defiance may determine whether Air Canada returns to the negotiating table or whether stronger legal action is taken against the union.