It's official: Air Canada has called the union’s actions illegal, and the federal labour board has demanded workers return to work.
Air Canada announced today that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ruled the ongoing strike by its 10,000 flight attendants unlawful and ordered the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to direct members back to work.
Following an August 17 hearing, the CIRB declared CUPE’s strike illegal, instructing union leaders to immediately revoke their authorization of the work stoppage and notify members to resume their duties.
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The ruling also requires that the union and its officers stop all activities declaring or authorizing an unlawful strike, that members of the bargaining unit immediately return to work and refrain from any unlawful strike action.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is urging both sides to reach an agreement.
At a press conference on Monday, August 18, 2025, CUPE union president Mark Hancock is refusing to obey Ottawa's orders.
According to a report by Reuters, Hancock stated:
"If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We're looking for a solution here."
Is the strike over with Air Canada?
CUPE is expected to issue a written public notice on August 18, 2025, via its website or other means, informing members that the strike has been revoked and that they must resume work.
Air Canada’s planned restart of its mainline and Rouge operations on August 17 was blocked by CUPE’s continued strike activity.
The airline now estimates that 500,000 customers have had flights cancelled since the disruption began on August 16.
Air Canada has apologized for the impact on travellers and reiterated its commitment to resuming operations as quickly as possible.
Is the Air Canada strike legal?
Canada’s independent labour tribunal has ruled Air Canada’s strike by roughly 10,000 flight attendants illegal and has ordered them to return to work.
What happens if my flight is cancelled due to strike?
Find out here what your passenger rights are as Air Canada cancels flights—the answers may surprise you.
For Air Canada updates and travel options, click here.
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