Calgary (Rajeev Sharma):– Thousands of Canadians have been left stranded across the country and abroad as Air Canada’s flight attendants have launched a nationwide strike, grounding hundreds of flights and disrupting travel for over 130,000 passengers daily.
The strike, organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), commenced after contract negotiations with Air Canada collapsed. Union leaders assert that flight attendants are demanding fair compensation for “groundwork” such as boarding and pre-flight assistance, which is currently unpaid. While Air Canada offered a 38% wage increase over four years, including 25% in the first year, CUPE argues that the proposal does not keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
The work stoppage has paralyzed Canada’s largest airline, with all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights suspended. Regional carriers operating under Air Canada Express continue to provide limited services, but many passengers have been forced to cancel or delay critical travel plans, from vacations to medical appointments.
Frustration is mounting against the federal government, with critics accusing Ottawa of failing to intervene and protect stranded citizens. Opposition leaders assert that the government should have acted sooner to mediate or legislate a solution, while many travelers have expressed outrage at the lack of emergency support.
“This is unacceptable. Families are stranded, businesses are disrupted, and the government is just watching,” stated students stuck at Calgary Airport who were suppose to travel to Toronto. With no resolution in sight, Canadians are demanding urgent government intervention to restore air travel and ensure citizens are not left to suffer during the standoff.
