Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has expressed the need for more information from airlines and unions to address recent claims of unpaid work within the aviation industry. The federal government recently released the preliminary results of an investigation initiated six months earlier following allegations raised 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 to numerous travelers. The labor dispute primarily revolved around assertions from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Air Canada component, stating that flight attendants were not receiving compensation for certain duties, such as ground responsibilities.
Employers in federally regulated sectors, including the airline industry, are required to remunerate employees at or above the federal minimum wage threshold. The initial phase of the probe conducted by Hajdu’s department did not find evidence of compensation practices falling below these standards in the airline sector. However, the report highlighted the necessity for further scrutiny of compensation practices for part-time and entry-level flight attendants.
Hajdu mentioned that stories from union members about instances of incomplete compensation for delayed flights were shared during the investigation but could not be fully substantiated by payment records. Despite requesting detailed data from both unions and employers regarding payment specifics, the department did not receive adequate information to conclusively verify the claims.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees expressed disappointment in the investigation’s outcome, suggesting that the government may not perceive the issue of unpaid work by major airlines as significant. Although the probe was initiated due to the Air Canada labor dispute, it encompassed the broader Canadian aviation industry.
While the majority of flight attendants’ compensation in the industry is structured around a credit-based model, which considers factors like flight time and additional benefits, Hajdu acknowledged the importance of assessing whether this system continues to be effective. The government plans to convene a meeting later this month in Ottawa with airline and union representatives to review minimum wage standards in detail.
Both airlines and unions are encouraged to conduct self-audits of payment records to ensure compliance with the Labour Code. Hajdu emphasized a collaborative approach but mentioned potential enforcement actions if either party fails to meet obligations.
Air Canada’s Vice President of Corporate Communications confirmed the airline’s adherence to compensation regulations and expressed readiness to participate in further probe phases. Similarly, Porter Airlines welcomed the investigation’s findings regarding their compensation system.
In conclusion, ongoing discussions between airlines, unions, and regulatory bodies are expected to provide clarity on wage requirements and foster improved relationships within the aviation sector.