The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has criticized the federal government’s investigation into allegations of unpaid work within the airline industry, stating that workers’ concerns are not being adequately addressed. The probe was initiated by Ottawa in August 2025 following a strike by Air Canada’s flight attendants, which led to grounded flights and picket line demonstrations.
During the initial phase of the investigation, the government found limited evidence of widespread unpaid work in the sector. However, concerns were raised regarding part-time and entry-level flight attendants, prompting further scrutiny. CUPE’s airline division president, Wesley Lesosky, expressed frustration with the findings, citing instances where workers were not compensated for their time based on complex scheduling and payment structures.
The pay system in the Canadian airline industry, which relies on a credit-based compensation model, has been a point of contention. Flight attendants’ pay is primarily determined by their time in the air, with additional factors and minimum wage standards factored in. Lesosky argued that this system fails to account for situations where flight crews are on duty but grounded due to delays or unforeseen circumstances.
The second phase of the government’s investigation involves airlines conducting self-audits to determine if any employees are being paid below the federal minimum wage. While WestJet has expressed support for the collaborative approach, Air Canada did not provide a comment on the matter.
CUPE raised concerns about the audit process, highlighting issues such as limited sampling and the timing of the investigation outside of peak travel seasons. The union also emphasized the lack of a clear definition of work for flight attendants in Canada’s labor laws, which they believe puts workers at a disadvantage during negotiations.
Looking ahead, the government aims to gather more information during the second phase of the probe to address any potential instances of unpaid or unfair working conditions in the airline industry. Hajdu’s office emphasized the importance of upholding workers’ rights and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
In response to the ongoing investigation, CUPE plans to continue advocating for fair treatment of airline workers and raising awareness about the challenges they face. Despite reaching an agreement on wages with Air Canada, the union remains committed to addressing issues of unpaid work and advocating for better working conditions in the industry.