Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike Sparks Constitutional Challenge

Air Canada flight attendants have launched a strike, contesting a government directive they describe as unconstitutional. The strike, marking the first walkout since 1985, has paralyzed the airline's operations, stranding over 100,000 passengers as 700 daily flights ground to a halt.

Despite a return-to-work order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, issued under Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu's directive, the attendants remain at odds with Air Canada. Negotiations, dormant for months, stalled primarily over compensation for time spent on the ground and during passenger boarding, a sticking point in contract talks.

Air Canada's decision to cancel flights preemptively worsened the situation, with expected stabilization in schedules over the coming week. As the government urges binding arbitration, the union maintains its call for direct negotiation, steadfastly opposing enforced settlements.

(With inputs from agencies.)