The Big Story Labour disruptions and defiant unions: breaking down the impacts of the Air Canada strike
Aug 22, 2025
Emma Arkell, a labour journalist at Press Progress, dives into the recent Air Canada flight attendants' strike that left thousands stranded. She discusses the unique aspects of this labor dispute and the potential implications of Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code. Arkell sheds light on the stark negotiations surrounding ground pay and the ongoing economic pressures shaping worker demands. With insights into the future of union dynamics, this conversation reveals the significant shifts on the horizon for labour activism in Canada.
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Section 107's Political Power Tested
- Section 107 has been used repeatedly this year to force workers back, but flight attendants defied it and kept striking.
- That refusal pressured Air Canada back to talks and led to a tentative deal within days.
Leaders Have Risked Jail Before
- Emma Arkell recalled precedent where union leaders faced jail for illegal strikes, citing Jean-Claude Perrault serving two months in jail.
- That history explains why union leaders like Mark Hancock talk about risking jail today.
Ground Pay Gains, Not Full Victory
- The tentative deal addresses ground pay by paying 50% for pre-flight time, but it stops short of full compensation.
- The agreement also shortens the next contract term, reducing the chance of another decade-long freeze.