Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has stated that her department requires more data from airlines and unions to address recent claims of unpaid work within the aviation industry. The federal government released initial findings from an investigation initiated six months ago into allegations raised during collective bargaining between Air Canada and its flight attendants’ union.
Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants participated in a strike in August 2025, causing disruptions for numerous passengers. The focal point of the labor dispute was the assertion by the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Air Canada division that flight attendants were not being compensated for certain duties, such as ground responsibilities.
Federal regulations mandate that employers in sectors like aviation must pay employees at least the federal minimum wage. The initial phase of the investigation did not discover evidence of compensation practices below these standards within the airline sector, although it highlighted the need for a closer examination of compensation practices for part-time and entry-level flight attendants.
Minister Hajdu explained that stories from union members regarding instances of incomplete compensation for delayed flights could not be fully substantiated by pay records. The department requested detailed data from both unions and employers to verify these claims but did not receive adequate information to make a conclusive determination.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees expressed disappointment with the investigation’s findings, indicating that it seemed to dismiss the issue of airlines exploiting unpaid work. While the probe was prompted by the Air Canada dispute, it encompassed the entire Canadian airline industry.
Hajdu mentioned a case involving a small northern airline where underpayment was identified, and steps are being taken to rectify the situation. Compensation for flight attendants across the industry typically follows a credit-based model, which factors in time in the air, per diems, and additional benefits.
A meeting is scheduled later this month in Ottawa for airline and union representatives to review minimum wage requirements in detail. The government has also requested airlines to conduct self-audits on pay records to ensure compliance with the Labor Code.
The federal government is adopting a collaborative approach with unions and airlines but is prepared to enforce compliance through orders or penalties if necessary. Airlines, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines, have responded positively to the investigation’s outcomes, affirming their commitment to upholding labor standards.
Negotiations between airlines and unions, particularly regarding wage issues, are ongoing, with a focus on addressing unpaid work concerns. Minister Hajdu emphasized the importance of these discussions in fostering improved relationships between labor organizations and employers in the aviation sector.