Toronto, Canada – Air Canada is poised to suspend operations beginning Thursday following a strike notice from the union representing its flight attendants. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which advocates for approximately 10,000 flight attendants, announced the impending strike after prolonged negotiations reached an impasse.

The airline reported plans to gradually halt flights over the next few days, cautioning passengers without confirmed travel not to go to the airport. According to Air Canada, the initial suspensions are set to commence Thursday, with service disruptions expected to escalate as the weekend approaches.

CUPE expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations, alleging that Air Canada failed to recognize key issues, particularly around wages and unpaid labor concerns. The union emphasized its commitment to bargaining in good faith, yet criticized the company for not adequately addressing their demands.

In the days leading up to the strike, Air Canada described CUPE’s counteroffer as requiring “exorbitant increases” and rejected the union’s proposal for binding arbitration involving a third party. The airline noted that the strike is anticipated to start at 1 a.m. EST on Saturday and will inevitably disrupt travel plans for numerous customers.

Air Canada operates a vast network across 64 countries and maintains a fleet of 259 aircraft. The airline warned that the flight disruptions could impact about 130,000 passengers daily, including roughly 25,000 Canadians, especially during the busy summer travel season.

To manage potential operational challenges, Air Canada stated that it is strategically positioning its aircraft and crew ahead of the strike to ensure routine maintenance can be performed and to expedite the restoration of services once the situation resolves. The first impacted flights will include those from Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, with cancellations likely to continue into Friday.

In a statement, Air Canada noted the possibility of a “complete cessation of flying” by Saturday. However, flights operated under the Air Canada Express brand, responsible for nearly 20% of the airline’s daily passenger volume, will remain unaffected.

Passengers whose flights are canceled will be contacted directly and offered full refunds. The airline is also coordinating with other carriers to provide alternative travel options, although delays in notification may occur.

Toronto Pearson International Airport, the largest in Canada, is closely monitoring the situation. Travelers are encouraged to verify flight information directly with Air Canada to stay informed.

In recent negotiations, Air Canada proposed a 38% increase in total compensation for flight attendants over four years, which included a 25% raise in the first year. However, CUPE criticized this offer, claiming it does not meet inflation rates and still leaves attendants unpaid for hours worked prior to flight departures.

With a decisive 99.7% of CUPE’s members voting in favor of a strike earlier in the month, the union underscored its stance, insisting that the airline needs to engage more earnestly in negotiations. Their statements reflect a palpable tension, as they decry the company’s attempts to involve the federal government in the dispute rather than addressing employee concerns directly.