Home / Business and Economy / Air Canada CEO Slams Union for Unlawful Walkout, Urges Employees to Return
Air Canada CEO Slams Union for Unlawful Walkout, Urges Employees to Return
18 Aug
Summary
- Air Canada CEO "amazed" by union's defiance of labor board ruling
- Union continues strike despite being declared illegal
- Airline needs flight attendants to return to work to resume service
As of August 18, 2025, Air Canada is facing an ongoing dispute with its flight attendants' union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). According to Air Canada CEO Mike Rousseau, the airline is "amazed" by CUPE's decision to defy the Canada Industrial Relations Board's ruling that the union's strike is unlawful.
Despite the board's declaration, CUPE has stated that the strike will continue until Air Canada agrees to negotiate on wages and unpaid work. Rousseau expressed his disappointment with the union's actions, saying "we're still amazed by the fact that CUPE is openly not following the law." He stressed that the illegal strike is harming the airline's customers and brand.
Regarding plans to resume service, Rousseau said Air Canada is "taking this day by day" and needs the flight attendants to return to work. He urged the union to recognize that this is an unlawful strike and that their actions are damaging the company. Rousseau also expressed confidence in his ability to lead Air Canada through this tumultuous period, calling on shareholders to trust the senior management's "expertise and creativity."
