August 18,2025
RED FM News Desk
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu told The Canadian Press that the federal government is launching an investigation into allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector, amid the ongoing Air Canada strike.
A central grievance from the union representing Air Canada flight attendants is that employees are not compensated for tasks performed before take-off. Hajdu described these claims as deeply troubling and said her department’s probe will address any such loopholes if they are found.
The minister’s announcement comes two days after she requested that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) impose binding arbitration on the stalled negotiations.
The flight attendants’ union has ignored that order and continues to picket, keeping Air Canada flights grounded for a third day, even after the CIRB ruled Monday that the strike is illegal.
Hajdu added that the federal Liberal government is not considering an early recall of Parliament to introduce back-to-work legislation.
Air Canada has announced that all flights for both Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will remain suspended until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday as flight attendants continue their strike.
The airline said customers affected by cancellations will be notified.
Flight attendants were expected to return to work on Monday after the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled the strike illegal, following the federal government’s weekend intervention to impose binding arbitration.
However, CUPE National President Mark Hancock stated that the union will continue striking, emphasizing that the fight is not only for flight attendants but also for the right to collective bargaining.
The strike began early Saturday morning after negotiations broke down and the two sides failed to reach an agreement on Friday. Air Canada estimates that roughly 500,000 passengers have had flights canceled since the strike started.
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