Sun Aug 17 19:49:47 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Air Canada flight attendants are defying a government-backed order to return to work, continuing a strike that began Saturday and marks their first walkout in 40 years. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) argues the back-to-work order is unconstitutional and is demanding Air Canada return to the negotiating table. The strike, affecting roughly 130,000 travellers per day, stems from disagreements over compensation for ground time, wage increases, and other benefits, which the union argues are insufficient to address inflation and meet minimum wage standards. The government’s options are unclear if the union continues to strike in defiance of the labor board’s ruling.
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**News Article:**

**Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Back-to-Work Order, Continue Strike**

**Toronto, ON –** Air Canada faces continued disruption as its flight attendants refuse to comply with a back-to-work order issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, stated on Sunday that its members would remain on strike, marking the first such action by the union since 1985.

The strike, which began Saturday, has already impacted approximately 130,000 travelers daily during the peak summer travel season. Air Canada has announced it will resume flights on Monday evening.

The Canadian government intervened on Saturday, requesting the CIRB to impose binding arbitration under the Canada Labour Code, citing the need to protect the economy. While the CIRB subsequently issued the order for the flight attendants to return to work by 2pm ET (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, CUPE argues the order is unconstitutional.

“We are staying on strike and invite Air Canada back to the table to negotiate a fair deal,” CUPE said in a statement.

The primary sticking points in the contract negotiations are compensation for time spent on the ground between flights and during boarding, as well as wage increases and other compensation terms. Flight attendants are primarily paid only when planes are moving. The union claims the proposed increases are insufficient to keep pace with inflation and meet federal minimum wage standards.

Natasha Stea, a local union president and Air Canada flight attendant, highlighted the solidarity shown by other unions, stating they joined the picket line in Toronto “because they are seeing our rights being eroded.”

It is unusual for a union to defy a CIRB order. The government’s next steps remain uncertain if CUPE maintains its strike action. The airline has not yet commented further on the union’s defiance.

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