August 14, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Potential Strike by Air Canada Flight Attendants – What You Need to Know
This message is to ensure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities during a potential strike by Air Canada Flight Attendants (CUPE), which could begin Saturday, August 16, at 12:01 a.m. Please keep this message for reference and reach out to your union leaders if you have any questions.
As always, we are here to support you. If you have concerns, need support, or feel unsafe, please contact your District Chairperson.
For more information on the Flight Attendants’ current contract negotiations, visit:
What’s Happening
- The Air Canada Component of CUPE has taken legal steps toward strike action.
- Air Canada has responded with a lockout notice to the Flight Attendants.
- If no agreement is reached before August 16, picket lines may be in place at airports across Canada, including employee parking lots and entrances.
- While this strike involves another union, it may affect your ability to park, enter the terminal, or get to work.
Strike or Lockout – What’s the Difference?
- Strike – The workers make the decision via strike vote to not work until they get a better deal. It is initiated by the union:
- Lockout – The company stops workers from working until they accept their terms. It is initiated by the employer.
Picket Lines
Picket lines may be set up at employee parking, terminal entrances, or key access roads. Flight Attendants will likely be marching, chanting, holding signs, handing out leaflets, and speaking to the public and media.
In previous strikes, unions have slowed entry into employee parking lots as a pressure tactic. Blocking all access entirely is not legal if it prevents workers from entering their jobs.
If you are delayed or feel unsafe crossing a picket line:
- Call your manager immediately to explain the situation.
- Clearly state that you are delayed at a picket line or feel unsafe.
- Follow your manager’s instructions and document the time, location, and details.
- Email or call your District Chair if you are prevented from getting to work on time.
- Remember – your employer must ensure safe passage into the workplace.
Safety Tips When Approaching a Picket Line
- Stay calm, drive slowly, and keep your hands visible.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid arguments — never engage in heated debates.
- You may roll your window down slightly if you choose to speak, but you are not required to take leaflets.
- Offer words of encouragement or solidarity if you feel comfortable.
- If you feel intimidated or blocked, call your manager and follow instructions.
Planning Ahead
- Give yourself extra time for possible slowdowns or demonstrations.
- Air Canada is cancelling some flights ahead of time, so operations may already be busy.
- Take care of yourself — take breaks, step away if needed, and look out for each other.
Your Obligations
Our Collective Agreement is still in effect, which means you are legally required to report to work as scheduled, even if it means crossing another union’s picket line. Failing to follow proper procedures could result in discipline.
Respect and Solidarity
- Respect is a two-way street. Support our CUPE Flight Attendant Sisters and Brothers in their fight for fair compensation.
- You can support them on your own time — walk the picket line, share positive messages, or wear red/solidarity buttons outside of work.
- Do not wear employer-issued uniforms or clothing when showing support.
- Solidarity means respecting their fight while honouring our own agreement.
Their fight is our fight — the outcome of their negotiations will have a lasting impact on aviation workers across Canada.
Please click here for the CUPE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.
In Solidarity,
Unifor Local 2002 Executive Board