A major strike by 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants disrupted travel for approximately 130,000 passengers daily during the peak summer season, leading to widespread flight cancellations and chaos at airports.
The walkout stemmed from failed negotiations over contract terms, particularly around pay, prompting the union to issue a 72-hour strike notice as a deadline loomed.
As the strike unfolded, the Canada Industrial Relations Board declared it unlawful, ordering striking workers to return to their jobs, but union leaders defied this ruling, labeling it unconstitutional.
Negotiations between Air Canada and the flight attendants' union continued amidst government intervention, which included imposing binding arbitration to swiftly resolve the industrial action.
After intense discussions, an agreement was reached, allowing Air Canada to gradually restore operations and resume flights, bringing relief to stranded travelers.
This labor dispute underscored significant themes of workers' rights and the challenges of balancing governmental authority with the autonomy of labor unions in high-stakes negotiations.