Air Canada said Sunday it has suspended its plan to resume limited flights after the union representing its flight attendants told members to defy a federal order to return to work.
The airline now expects to restart operations Monday evening.
The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) directed Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to “resume their duties” by 2 p.m. ET Sunday after Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu imposed a binding arbitration and extended the existing contract until a new agreement is reached.
But the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and said its members “remain on strike.”
“We demand a fair, negotiated contract and to be compensated for all hours worked,” CUPE’s statement concludes.
Air Canada said the union’s defiance forced it to cancel about 240 flights schedule for Sunday. The strike, which started early Saturday over pay and scheduling disputes, has already grounded roughly 700 flights a day, stranding an estimated 100,000 travelers during peak summer season.
The airline urged customers not to go to the airport unless they have confirmed flights and said it will offer refunds, credits or rebooking on other carriers, though seats are limited. Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to run as scheduled.