Sat Aug 16 05:42:37 UTC 2025: **Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:**
**Air Canada Halts Operations as Flight Attendants Launch Strike, Stranding Thousands**
**TORONTO -** Air Canada has suspended all operations after more than 10,000 of its flight attendants went on strike early Saturday morning, August 16, 2025, following a breakdown in contract negotiations. The strike, confirmed by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) spokesman Hugh Pouliot, has left travelers worldwide stranded and scrambling to rebook flights during the peak summer travel season.
The dispute escalated after the union rejected Air Canada’s request for government-directed arbitration, which would have prevented the strike. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in negotiations, urging both sides to reach a resolution.
The complete shutdown is expected to impact approximately 130,000 passengers daily, with an estimated 25,000 Canadians stranded abroad. Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day. Passengers affected by the strike can request full refunds or alternative travel options, though rebooking on other airlines is proving difficult due to high demand.
The key sticking points in the negotiations are wages and unpaid work. While Air Canada offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, the union argued that the proposed initial 8% raise did not adequately address inflation. No end in sight for the strike.
First Piper 