TORONTO — The Canadian government intervened on Saturday, mandating Air Canada and its striking flight attendants to return to work and enter arbitration. This decision came after a work stoppage that left over 100,000 travelers stranded globally during the busy summer travel season. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the need to protect the economy, especially in light of significant tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canada.

The intervention means that approximately 10,000 flight attendants will soon resume their duties. Hajdu stated, "The talks broke down. It is clear that the parties are not any closer to resolving some of the key issues that remain and they will need help with the arbitrator." She noted that the full resumption of services could take several days, depending on the Canada Industrial Relations Board's actions.

The shutdown of Canada’s largest airline has affected around 130,000 people daily, with an estimated 25,000 Canadians potentially stranded. Air Canada operates about 700 flights each day. By Saturday afternoon, the airline had canceled 671 flights, following 199 cancellations on Friday, with an additional 96 flights already suspended for Sunday.

Hajdu ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend the existing collective agreement until a new one is established through arbitration. "Canadians rely on air travel every day, and its importance cannot be understated," she said.

Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), criticized the government's actions, claiming it infringed on the flight attendants' constitutional right to strike. He accused the government of rewarding Air Canada for its unwillingness to negotiate fairly.

Air Canada Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr indicated that it could take up to a week to fully restore operations. Meanwhile, travelers are likely to experience ongoing disruptions. Union spokesman Hugh Pouliot stated that flight attendants would remain on the picket lines until further notice.

The contract dispute escalated on Friday when the union rejected Air Canada’s request for government-directed arbitration, which would have allowed a third-party mediator to decide the terms of a new contract. Flight attendants began their strike around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday, coinciding with Air Canada’s announcement of a lockout of flight attendants from airports.

Ian Lee, an associate professor at Carleton University, noted that the government has a history of intervening in transportation strikes, citing that it has occurred 45 times since 1950. He explained that the government’s actions stem from the significant reliance Canadians have on air travel.

Passengers affected by the strike can request full refunds through Air Canada’s website or mobile app. The airline also plans to offer alternative travel options through other carriers when feasible. However, Air Canada warned that immediate rebooking may not be possible due to high demand during the summer travel peak.

Travelers have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Air Canada. Jean-Nicolas Reyt, who was trying to return to Montreal from France, said he received minimal information from the airline. "What’s stressful is to not hear anything from Air Canada," he said.

Jennifer MacDonald from Halifax, Nova Scotia, shared her difficulties in helping her family return home after their Air Canada flight was canceled. She noted that they had to pay for a hotel and struggled to find rebooking options.

Despite the disruptions, MacDonald expressed solidarity with the flight attendants, hoping for a fair negotiation. The ongoing contract negotiations between Air Canada and CUPE have been contentious, with both sides remaining far apart on issues of pay and unpaid work.

Natasha Stea, an Air Canada flight attendant and local union president, stated, "We are heartbroken for our passengers. Nobody wants to see Canadians stranded or anxious about their travel plans, but we cannot work for free." The union argues that the airline's latest offer, which included a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, does not adequately address the financial challenges faced by flight attendants, particularly in light of inflation.