Air Canada and its flight attendants’ union have reached a tentative agreement, putting a pause on the strike that brought the airline to a standstill. The deal, announced after several days of negotiations, has opened the door for flights to resume, though the path to normal service will take time.
The central issue in the labour dispute was the long-standing practice of attendants performing boarding and safety duties without pay. Union leaders described the new contract as “a game changer,” insisting that unpaid work will finally be addressed. For many, this agreement represents a breakthrough in how airline employees are compensated for their time.
While the strike has ended, passengers will not see an immediate return to regular schedules. Air Canada has said it will take at least a week for operations to stabilize as aircraft are repositioned, crews are reassigned, and backlogged maintenance is completed. During this period, travelers affected by cancelled flights will be offered refunds or the chance to rebook.
The deal now heads to union members for ratification. Until that vote is confirmed, both sides are treating the outcome with cautious optimism. For the wider aviation industry, the development may spark broader discussions about fairness and labour standards, setting a precedent that extends beyond this single dispute.
