A campaign highlighting alleged unpaid work by Air Canada flight attendants has drawn significant attention amid ongoing contract negotiations. The campaign, known as Unfair Canada, claims that cabin crew members are compelled to work without pay during crucial flight moments. However, the airline disputes this characterization, stating that the situation is not as dire as portrayed.

Despite the controversy surrounding the campaign's accuracy, it has resonated with the public and lawmakers. On Monday, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu described the allegations as "deeply disturbing" and announced an investigation into unpaid work practices in the airline industry. Hajdu indicated that if the inquiry substantiates the claims, she would advocate for legislation to prohibit such practices.

The inquiry follows a recent order from Hajdu directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to mandate that flight attendants return to work, which led to accusations that the government was favoring management over labor interests. Critics speculate that the investigation may lose momentum now that Air Canada is resuming operations.

Historically, Air Canada's pay structure aligns with industry standards, a practice that has been in place for approximately 40 years. The issue gained traction in 2022 when Delta Air Lines began compensating its cabin crews for boarding time, a move seen as a strategy to deter unionization efforts. In 2024, the union for American Airlines flight attendants successfully negotiated a similar pay structure, becoming the first unionized group to secure pay for boarding duties. Alaska Airlines also ratified a comparable agreement earlier this year.

The Unfair Canada campaign was launched late last year, coinciding with the expiration of the flight attendants' collective agreement on March 31. The union's messaging aimed to evoke strong public sentiment by comparing the treatment of flight attendants to that of workers in less favorable conditions. This strategy was bolstered by media coverage that often echoed the union's claims.

To further support their cause, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) commissioned a poll revealing that 59 percent of Canadians favored the flight attendants over Air Canada, while 88 percent believed that flight attendants should be compensated for all work-related duties, not just during flight.

However, some critics noted that the poll questions were framed in a way that could bias responses. For instance, one question presented two opposing views on compensation for boarding and deplaning, leading to a significant majority supporting the idea that flight attendants should be paid for all aspects of their workday.

As the inquiry unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the issue of unpaid labor in the airline sector and whether any legislative changes will emerge from the findings.