TIL CreativesFrustrated passengers wait amidst discarded debris as Air Canada flight attendants picket for fair wages and better benefits. Canada’s largest carrier, Air Canada, has suspended all mainline and Rouge flights after more than 10,000 unionized flight attendants walked off the job early Saturday, triggering the airline’s first strike by cabin crew since 1985. The strike, sparked by a breakdown in contract talks, has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded in Canada and abroad during the peak summer travel season.The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the attendants, confirmed the 72-hour walkout shortly after 1 a.m. ET (0500 GMT), while the airline warned that at least 130,000 passengers could be affected each day the strike continues, as per a report by Reuters.Flights grounded, passengers in limboAir Canada announced it had suspended operations for both Air Canada and its low-cost unit Air Canada Rouge, while regional affiliates Air Canada Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue to operate.The shutdown comes at one of the busiest periods for the airline, which normally carries about 130,000 customers daily and operates nearly 700 flights per day. The disruption could stretch into days, as airline officials warned it may take up to a week to restore full operations even after a settlement.At Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, stranded passengers were left scrambling to rebook. Freddy Ramos, 24, described a confusing ordeal: “Ten minutes before boarding, our gate was changed, then the flight was delayed, then canceled outright. It happened twice before we were finally rebooked.”Live EventsWhat will happen if you have a tickets?In a strongly worded advisory, Air Canada urged passengers not to go to the airport unless they had a confirmed booking with another carrier.Affected customers are entitled to:Full refunds through Air Canada’s website or mobile app.Alternative travel options on other Canadian and international airlines, subject to availability.However, the airline cautioned that most seats on rival carriers were already full due to the summer travel peak. Some passengers reported fares had doubled compared to their original bookings, making rebooking a costly gamble.Montreal resident Alex Laroche, 21, whose long-planned European vacation is now on hold, said: “We saved for months. Now our $8,000 trip is in jeopardy. Replacement tickets cost more than double. It’s just a waiting game.”What if your flights are cancelled?In the event of cancellations, affected travelers are generally entitled to a full refund or the option to reschedule without additional charges. Some airlines may also offer vouchers or flexible travel credits depending on the circumstances.What will happen next?Airlines are likely to release a structured plan outlining how passengers can claim refunds, rebook, or adjust their itineraries. Travelers should expect further communication via email, text alerts, or official websites in the coming days.What are other flying options?If your original airline cannot accommodate you, other carriers may provide alternative routes or emergency fares. Passengers can also explore nearby airports or different travel dates to ensure minimal disruption to their journey.Why flight attendants are strikingAt the heart of the dispute are pay and working conditions.Currently, attendants are paid only when the aircraft is moving, leaving unpaid hours during boarding, delays, and layovers.The union is demanding that this “ground time” be compensated.Air Canada countered with an offer of a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including pensions and benefits, with a 25% raise in the first year.CUPE rejected the proposal, saying it does not keep up with inflation and does not address unpaid work adequately.Air Canada strike: Government urged to step inThe strike has already drawn in Ottawa. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to resume negotiations, saying: “Canadians are counting on both parties to put forward their best efforts. It is unacceptable that so little progress has been made”, as mentioned in a report by CNN.Air Canada has asked Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority Liberal government to impose binding arbitration, a move that would end the strike but remove the union’s right to strike.The Canada Labour Code gives the government power to request the country’s Industrial Relations Board to enforce arbitration in the national interest. However, CUPE has said it opposes arbitration, preferring to continue bargaining.Businesses and analysts sound alarmBeyond stranded passengers, Canadian businesses are concerned about the economic fallout. Some industry groups have joined calls for binding arbitration, warning the strike could deepen the impact of ongoing trade tensions with the United States.Analysts at TD Cowen said in a note to clients: “Not budging on negotiations risks being a Pyrrhic victory. Investors fear that labor cost savings will be outweighed by lost revenue in the busiest quarter.”Growing public sympathyDespite widespread disruptions, many Canadians expressed sympathy for the flight attendants online. Some passengers said they initially felt anger, but changed their views after learning about the pay issue.Laroche, the Montreal traveler, admitted: “At first I was furious. But then I realized the attendants aren’t even paid for boarding time. Their wage is barely livable. Now I understand why they are fighting.”How long could the strike last?Industry observers say the dispute could drag on unless the government intervenes. Even if a deal is reached quickly, Air Canada Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr has warned it may take several days to fully restart operations.Meanwhile, picket lines formed at major airports in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. With no talks scheduled, thousands of travelers remained stranded Saturday with little clarity on when normal service would resume.What passengers should do nowFor those holding tickets on Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge:Check flight status online before heading to the airport.Request a refund via the airline’s website or mobile app if your flight is canceled.Look for alternative carriers early, though availability and prices may be limited.Monitor union and airline announcements, as updates may come with little notice.Air Canada has said passengers rebooked on other airlines will not be charged cancellation fees. But for many, especially international travelers, options remain limited.FAQsWhat should I do if my Air Canada flight is canceled due to the strike? If your flight is affected, you can request a full refund through Air Canada’s website or app. The airline is also offering rebooking on other airlines when possible, but availability is limited during peak summer travel.Are regional flights in Canada affected by the strike? No. Flights operated by Air Canada Jazz and PAL Airlines are continuing as scheduled. The strike only impacts Air Canada’s mainline and Rouge flights.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onAir Canada flights cancelledair canada strike updatecanadaAir Canada ticketsAir Canada refundAir Canada passengers (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) 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