The Current What does Air Canada’s illegal strike mean for passengers and workers?
Aug 18, 2025
John Gradek, a McGill University lecturer and former Air Canada operations executive, delves into the chaos surrounding the illegal strike of flight attendants. He discusses the troubling disconnect between corporate strategies and labor rights, while passenger Laurie Panagiotou shares her frustrations after spending thousands to rebook her family trip amid cancellations. The discussion uncovers the emotional and financial toll of travel disruptions, and the broader implications of government intervention in labor negotiations.
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Family Vacation Upended By Cancellations
- Laurie Panagiotou describes a $50,000 family trip to Greece disrupted by Air Canada cancellations and confusing messages.
- She and her husband rebooked on another carrier and missed connections and hotel nights due to late cancellations.
Confusing Messages And Long Hold Times
- Laurie recounts poor and conflicting communication from Air Canada that left passengers unsure whether to go to the airport.
- Her son waited nearly five hours on hold and received a partial refund far below the ticket cost.
Long-Brewing Contract Problems
- John Gradek says this dispute has been brewing for 11 years since the last 2014 flight-attendant agreement.
- He frames the strike as the inevitable result of unpaid work and outdated working conditions.