Air Canada Flight Attendants End Major Nationwide Strike

Air Canada's unionized flight attendants have ended their strike after reaching a tentative agreement following intense negotiations and mediation, which had led to over 2,700 flight cancellations and significant disruption for hundreds of thousands of passengers. The strike, the first in 40 years for Air Canada cabin crew, forced the airline to suspend its financial forecasts and is estimated to have impacted third-quarter earnings by up to $289 million USD. Despite a federal order to return to work, the flight attendants initially defied the directive, emphasizing their fight for fair pay and compensation for pre-flight duties, with strong public support amid economic challenges. Passengers, especially international travelers, faced considerable frustration and financial burdens due to cancellations, highlighting the human cost of the dispute. The resolution has been welcomed by markets with Air Canada shares rising 4%, and operations are expected to normalize gradually over the coming week. This event underscores broader issues in labor relations communication, public trust, and the complexities governments face when intervening in strikes.