Air Canada Halts Flight Resumption After Union Defies Back-to-Work Order

Air Canada has suspended its plan to resume limited flights this Sunday after accusing the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) of instructing flight attendants to defy a binding order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

The CIRB had directed CUPE members to return to work to restore essential air service, but the airline says the union “illegally directed its flight attendant members” to ignore the ruling. The move comes amid an escalating labor dispute that has disrupted Air Canada’s operations for weeks.

Air Canada had intended to restart select routes through both its mainline operations and low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge. Instead, those flights remain grounded, with passengers facing uncertainty as the standoff deepens. The airline says CUPE’s defiance not only undermines federal labor law but also jeopardizes customers who rely on air travel for business, leisure, and family needs.

CUPE, which represents more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, has been engaged in a bitter dispute with the airline over wages, scheduling, and working conditions. Union leaders argue that the CIRB order unfairly restricts workers’ right to strike and fails to address long-standing grievances.

The federal government has not yet indicated whether it will intervene further, but industry observers note that Ottawa has previously stepped in during major airline labor disputes to maintain essential services.

For now, Air Canada customers are advised to monitor updates closely, as the suspension of flights could stretch beyond this weekend if no resolution is reached.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, apnews.com