Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has stated that her department requires further details from airlines and labor unions to address recent claims of unpaid work within the aviation industry. The federal government recently disclosed the initial results of an investigation initiated six months ago in response to allegations arising during collective bargaining between Air Canada and its flight attendants’ union.
Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike in August 2025, causing disruptions for numerous travelers. The labor dispute mainly revolved around assertions from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Air Canada component, that flight attendants were not being adequately compensated for certain duties, such as ground tasks.
Companies operating in federally regulated sectors like aviation are obligated to remunerate employees at or above the federal minimum wage standard. Hajdu’s department stated that, during the initial phase of the inquiry, no evidence was found indicating that compensation practices in the aviation industry fall below these standards. However, the report highlighted the need for a more detailed review of compensation practices for many part-time and entry-level flight attendants.
In an interview, Hajdu mentioned that stories from union members regarding instances of incomplete compensation for delayed flights were shared but could not be fully substantiated by payment records. Despite requesting more detailed data from both unions and employers, the department did not receive sufficient information to conclusively verify the validity of the claims.
The investigation, triggered by the Air Canada labor dispute, encompassed the entire Canadian aviation sector. While most flight attendants’ compensation is governed by a credit-based model, the report pointed out the necessity to assess whether this system is still operating as intended.
A meeting is expected to take place later this month between union representatives, airlines, and the head of enforcement and compliance from Hajdu’s department to delve into the minimum wage regulations in depth. Additionally, airlines have been urged to conduct self-audits on their payment records to ensure compliance with the Labor Code.
In response to the probe’s findings, CUPE expressed disappointment, suggesting that the government seemed to overlook the issue of unpaid work by major airlines. While some airlines have welcomed the investigation’s outcomes and affirmed their compliance with labor laws, the union emphasized the importance of addressing the problem collectively.
Looking ahead, the federal government aims to maintain a collaborative approach with airlines and unions but is prepared to enforce corrective measures if necessary. Airlines are urged to cooperate with the self-audit requests to ensure fair compensation for all flight attendants.