Air Canada has announced a suspension of its plans to restart operations after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants declared it would not comply with a government-mandated return to work order. This strike has already disrupted travel for approximately 130,000 passengers daily during the busy summer season.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) had ordered airline staff to return to work by 2 p.m. on Sunday, following government intervention. Initially, Air Canada indicated it would resume flights later that evening, but it has since revised its timeline to Monday evening.

In a statement, Air Canada accused the union of "illegally directing its flight attendant members to defy a direction from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board." Mark Hancock, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), stated outside Toronto's Pearson International Airport, "Our members are not going back to work. We are saying no." He publicly tore up the back-to-work order during a picket outside the airport.

Hancock criticized the process as unfair and indicated that the union plans to challenge what it considers an unconstitutional order. He expressed frustration with Air Canada's bargaining approach, claiming the airline has not engaged in good faith negotiations.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu intervened less than 12 hours after the strike began, emphasizing the need to protect the economy amid rising U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. She referred the work stoppage to the CIRB, which has extended the existing collective agreement until a new one is established.

The strike, which began around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday, has led to significant disruptions. Air Canada operates about 700 flights daily, and the shutdown has affected many travelers. Tourists like Mel Durston from southern England expressed disappointment, stating, "We wanted to go see the Rockies, but we might not get there because of this. We might have to head straight back."

Travelers James Hart and Zahara Virani, visiting from Calgary, Alberta, faced additional costs after their Air Canada flight was canceled. They paid $2,600 Canadian (approximately $1,880) to book a flight with another airline. Virani remarked, "It’s a little frustrating and stressful, but at the same time, I don’t blame the flight attendants at all. What they’re asking for is not unreasonable whatsoever."

The ongoing contract negotiations between Air Canada and CUPE have been contentious, with both sides remaining far apart on key issues, including pay and unpaid work performed by flight attendants. Air Canada's latest proposal included a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, which the airline claimed would make its flight attendants the highest paid in Canada. However, the union argued that the proposed 8% raise in the first year was insufficient given current inflation rates.

Passengers affected by the flight cancellations can request full refunds through Air Canada’s website or mobile app. The airline is also exploring alternative travel options with other carriers, but it cautioned that immediate rebooking may not be possible due to high demand during the summer travel peak.