Ottawa, Canada — The Canadian government intervened on Saturday to mandate that Air Canada and its striking flight attendants return to work and enter arbitration, responding to a labor stoppage that has left over 100,000 travelers stranded amid the busy summer travel season.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the economic importance of air travel, stating that the country cannot afford disruption. The government’s decision came swiftly, only hours after flight attendants walked off the job due to unresolved contract disputes. This move will see approximately 10,000 flight attendants back on duty soon.

Hajdu indicated that the breakdown in negotiations necessitated the government’s involvement, as both sides appeared unable to make progress on critical issues. “The parties require the support of an arbitrator to move toward resolution,” she said, adding that the full restoration of flight operations could take several days, depending on the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s timeline.

Critics, including Wesley Lesosky, president of the union representing the flight attendants, condemned the intervention as an infringement on the workers’ legal right to strike. He accused the government of siding with Air Canada by acting so quickly, labelling the response inadequate for the stalled negotiations.

Air Canada officials indicated that the operational restart might take up to a week, raising concerns about continued disruptions for both travelers and cargo owners. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that by Saturday afternoon, 671 flights had been canceled, following a previous 199 cancellations, with further disruptions anticipated as the airline grapples with the fallout.

Under the government’s directive, the existing collective agreement will remain in effect until the arbitration process concludes. Hajdu remarked, “Canadians rely on air travel daily, highlighting its critical importance to our economy.” However, uncertainty still looms as the union stated they would remain on the picket lines until further notice.

The conflict escalated on Friday when the union rejected Air Canada’s proposal for government-mediated arbitration. Flight attendants began their strike at 1 a.m. EDT, coinciding with Air Canada’s decision to lock them out of airports.

This isn’t the first time the government has intervened in major labor disputes within the transportation sector, having previously mandated arbitration for essential services. Ian Lee, a business professor at Carleton University, noted that such government actions often stem from Canada’s heavy reliance on these services, with historical interventions totaling about 45 since 1950.

Business organizations, including the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, supported the government’s intervention, emphasizing the urgent need to resume operations to minimize the impact on travelers and businesses.

While Air Canada offered refunds and alternative travel options to affected passengers, many travelers expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the airline. Jean-Nicolas Reyt, whose flight was scheduled from France, lamented the minimal contact from Air Canada, noting the stress of uncertain travel arrangements.

As the situation continues to develop, flight attendants and their advocates are vocal about the pay disputes that triggered the strike. Having been in negotiations for several months, both sides remain distant on crucial compensation issues, particularly concerning unpaid work and disparities between the pay of flight attendants and pilots.

Air Canada’s latest proposal included a substantial increase in compensation over several years, but the union argues that the offered raises do not align with current inflation rates or the realities facing its members.

As the arbitration process begins, the outcome will be pivotal not only for the airline’s operations but also for the future of labor relations within Canada’s aviation sector.