Published on
September 12, 2025
Flight attendants all over Canada are gearing up for a massive rally set for Tuesday, September sixteenth, right on Parliament Hill, pressing the federal government to tackle the rampant practice of unpaid labour in the airline sector. CUPE Canada’s largest union for airline crews has called the event, which follows a splashy labour dispute at Air Canada that temporarily grounded passenger trips and threw a national spotlight on a problem that’s been flying under the radar for far too long.
Flight attendants, who perform essential safety and customer service tasks, are not compensated for many of the hours they work before and after flights. On average, flight attendants in Canada work around thirty five hours each month without pay, carrying out vital responsibilities that are integral to the safety and comfort of passengers. This includes conducting pre-flight safety checks, assisting with onboard emergencies, helping passengers with special needs, and managing delays, all of which are critical to ensuring the smooth operation of air travel.
Growing Call for Change in Canada’s Airline Industry
The issue of unpaid work is not limited to one airline or region. It is a systemic problem affecting flight attendants across the country. CUPE, which represents twenty thousand flight attendants from 11 Canadian airlines, is calling for an end to this practice, which they argue is unfair and unsustainable.
The lack of compensation for these essential duties is a growing concern, especially in a country like Canada, where tourism plays a major role in the economy. The airline industry is vital to the tourism sector, connecting tourists to various Canadian destinations. The lack of fair compensation for flight attendants could lead to a decline in service quality, potentially impacting Canada’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
The Impact of Unpaid Work on Canada’s Tourism Sector
Tourism is one of Canada’s largest industries, contributing billions of dollars to the national economy each year. The airline sector plays a key role in this, as flights are often the first point of contact for international visitors. However, the issue of unpaid work could have long-term consequences on the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Flight attendants are often the first face of the airline for arriving passengers, helping to set the tone for the traveller’s experience. With flight attendants working for free, there is a risk that their morale and job satisfaction could suffer, leading to higher turnover rates, reduced service quality, and ultimately a negative impact on the overall tourism experience in Canada.
Furthermore, as flight attendants play a significant role in ensuring passenger safety, including during in-flight emergencies, the lack of fair compensation may undermine the perceived professionalism of the airline industry. This could potentially discourage tourists from choosing Canada as their destination of choice, particularly in a competitive global tourism market.
What Needs to Be Done
CUPE is calling on the federal government to take swift action to address this issue. The union argues that the solution must be systemic, ensuring that flight attendants across the industry are paid for every hour they work, including time spent on pre-flight and post-flight duties. The government’s involvement is seen as crucial to rectifying the situation, as changes to industry-wide standards would require legal and regulatory intervention.
In addition to fair pay for all work performed, CUPE advocates for better working conditions for flight attendants, who often face long hours and challenging work environments. Ensuring that these workers are fairly compensated would not only improve their job satisfaction but also enhance the quality of service in the aviation and tourism sectors, ultimately benefiting tourists travelling to Canada.
Overview
As the rally approaches, flight attendants, union representatives, and tourism stakeholders are hoping for a positive outcome that will result in fair compensation and better working conditions for all flight attendants in Canada. The ongoing fight for better pay is not just a labour issue; it’s a critical tourism issue that could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy. Ending unpaid work in the airline industry is essential for maintaining the high standards of service that Canada’s tourism sector is known for and ensuring that the country remains a top destination for global travellers.
