Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has expressed the need for additional information from airlines and unions to address recent claims of unpaid work within the aviation industry. The federal government released preliminary findings from an investigation initiated six months ago following allegations raised during contract negotiations 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 passengers. The dispute revolved around assertions from the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Air Canada division that flight attendants were not receiving compensation for certain tasks, such as ground duties.
While the initial phase of the inquiry did not uncover evidence of compensation practices falling below federal minimum wage standards in the airline sector, it did highlight the need for a closer look at the pay structures for part-time and entry-level flight attendants. Minister Hajdu mentioned that stories shared by union members about incomplete compensation for delayed flights could not be fully substantiated through pay records.
The investigation also identified a case in a small northern airline where employees appeared to be underpaid. The concerned employer is collaborating with the Jobs Ministry to rectify the situation. The report emphasized that the prevailing compensation model for flight attendants in most airlines is credit-based, factoring in flight time, per diems, and supplementary benefits.
Expectations are set for a meeting later this month in Ottawa between enforcement officials and representatives from airlines and unions to review minimum wage compliance in detail. Airlines have been requested to conduct self-audits on their pay records to ensure adherence to labor regulations. The government is engaging in a cooperative approach with industry stakeholders but stands ready to enforce compliance measures if necessary.
The response from airlines varied, with Air Canada highlighting the investigation’s confirmation of compliance with labor laws and its commitment to participating in further phases of the probe. Porter Airlines also welcomed the scrutiny, viewing it as validation of their compensation system. Both airlines acknowledged the importance of providing additional data for review.
Ongoing arbitration between Air Canada and the flight attendants’ union aims to address outstanding wage issues, with recent negotiations focusing on enhancing compensation for ground duties. While a tentative agreement was reached following the strike in August, union members rejected the proposed contract. Concerns about unpaid work persist as airlines prepare for upcoming negotiations with flight attendants. Minister Hajdu stressed the importance of clarity on wage matters to foster improved labor relations within the aviation industry.
