Historic win: Air Canada flight attendants end unpaid work

Photo credit Luc Arsenault.

Air Canada flight attendants, represented by CUPE, have reached a tentative agreement after days of pressure and picket lines. The deal ends unpaid work and stands as a historic win for free collective bargaining.

The CLC  said, “By refusing to bow to government interference, CUPE flight attendants exposed Section 107 for what it is: an unconstitutional violation of workers’ Charter-protected right to free and fair collective bargaining. Any employer thinking of leaning on Section 107 in the future should think twice—it’s a crutch that just snapped.”

The BCFED called it “a reminder of just how strong we are when we stand together against government interference and employer pressure.”

Reuters reported the deal could reshape pay practices across North American airlines, forcing carriers to rethink unpaid work norms.

This fight also shows the strength of our global labour movement. Through the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), CUPE Air Canada Component, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), we are connected in solidarity.

Victories like this ripple far beyond one workplace.

When workers fight together, we win.