UFCW Canada stands with CUPE Flight Attendants

Toronto – August 18, 2025 – UFCW Canada strongly opposes the federal government’s decision to halt strike action by CUPE Flight Attendants at Air Canada through the imposition of binding arbitration. The move effectively curtailed workers’ legal right to job action only hours after it began.

“This kind of intervention undermines free collective bargaining and weakens the ability of workers to achieve fair contracts,” said UFCW Canada National President Shawn Haggerty. “When governments step in to silence strikes, they tip the balance in favour of employers and erode confidence in the bargaining process. The right to strike is fundamental, and it must be respected.”

On the first day of strike action, the federal Minister of Jobs and Families invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, referring the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Instead of supporting a negotiated settlement, the government has blocked flight attendants from exercising their democratic rights.

Air Canada flight attendants have highlighted long-standing concerns over unpaid work and fairness at the workplace, yet instead of helping to resolve those concerns, the federal government has taken away an important tool that workers rely on to achieve fairness at the bargaining table.

UFCW Canada stands in solidarity with CUPE Flight Attendants in their fight for dignity, respect, and justice at work. Together with unions across the country, we remain committed to building fairer workplaces and stronger communities for all.