Sun Aug 17 21:46:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewritten from the perspective of “The Hindu,” an Indian newspaper:
**Summary:**
Air Canada flight attendants went on strike on August 16, 2025, disrupting travel for approximately 130,000 passengers per day. The Canadian government intervened, ordering the 10,000 flight attendants back to work through the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). However, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing the flight attendants, defied the order, citing unfair treatment and a refusal to bargain in good faith by Air Canada. The airline suspended plans to restart operations. The strike revolves around disputes over pay, unpaid work, and the union’s claim that Air Canada exploited the government’s willingness to intervene. Passengers face cancellations and rebooking challenges due to the peak summer travel season. The government defends its intervention as necessary for the economy, while the union argues it undermines collective bargaining rights.
**News Article:**
**Air Canada Strike Disrupts Global Travel Amidst Government Intervention, Sparks Union Ire**
*By The Hindu Staff*
**Toronto, August 18, 2025:** Thousands of travellers worldwide are facing disruption as a strike by Air Canada flight attendants enters its third day, despite a government order for them to return to work. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 10,000 flight attendants, has refused to comply with the order issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), escalating the labour dispute and leaving Air Canada struggling to resume operations.
The strike, which began on August 16, 2025, has already impacted an estimated 130,000 passengers per day during the peak summer travel season. Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, operates around 700 flights daily, making the work stoppage a significant blow to air travel.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu intervened swiftly, citing the need to protect the Canadian economy. However, CUPE President Mark Hancock condemned the intervention as “unfair,” alleging that Air Canada had refused to bargain in good faith, anticipating government support. He stated that the union would challenge the order, claiming it is unconstitutional.
“Air Canada has really refused to bargain with us and they refused to bargain with us because they knew this government would come in on their white horse and try and save the day,” Hancock told reporters outside Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
The core of the dispute lies in disagreements over pay, with the union claiming that the airline’s proposed 8% raise in the first year is insufficient to address inflation. The airline asserts that its offer includes a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, making its flight attendants the best compensated in Canada.
The disruption highlights the growing tension between labour unions and governments as unions push for better conditions and governments seek to minimize economic fallout. Last year, the government forced arbitration in the country’s major rail stoppages with their labour union during a work stoppage. Air Canada passengers are advised to check the airline’s website for updates and refund options. While Air Canada promised alternative travel arrangements, it cautioned of likely delays due to high demand. The situation is expected to impact travel plans for the foreseeable future.
First Piper 