Air Canada grounds all operations amid flight attendant strike

Air Canada and its regional subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, announced on Saturday the complete suspension of all flight operations, effective at 12:58 a.m. Eastern Time. The widespread grounding of flights is the result of a strike by approximately 10,000 flight attendants, who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

[UPDATE] Air Canada said the lockout took effect at 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. This step became necessary because at 12:58 a.m. CUPE commenced strike action.

CUPE provided a 72-hour strike notice to Air Canada on Aug. 13. In anticipation of the labor disruption, Air Canada had progressively scaled back its schedule of approximately 700 daily flights while simultaneously engaging in negotiations to secure a new collective agreement and avert the strike.

This significant halt in services is expected to impact roughly 130,000 customers per day. Flights operated by Air Canada Express, which are managed by third-party airlines, remain unaffected by the current dispute.

Air Canada has issued strong advisories to affected customers, urging them not to proceed to airports unless they possess a confirmed ticket with an airline other than Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. The airline has stated it will directly notify passengers with imminent travel plans about additional flight cancellations and available options.

For customers whose upcoming flights have not yet been cancelled, Air Canada has implemented a goodwill policy. This allows passengers to rebook their travel arrangements or receive credit for future travel. Further detailed information and assistance can be found on the airline's official website.

Air Canada has expressed deep regret regarding the considerable disruption and inconvenience the strike is causing to its customers. The duration of the strike and its ultimate resolution remain uncertain as negotiations continue.