The carrier had earlier offered a 38% increase in total compensation for flight attendants over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year, which the union deemed insufficient. Flight attendants had sought pay for tasks such as boarding passengers,

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has ruled it's unlawful for Air Canada flight attendants to refuse to go back to work as ordered. CUPE, the union representing the flight attendants, says the back-to-work order is unconstitutional.

Negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada have ended in impasse. Air Canada still refuses to compensate flight attendants for all hours worked. The union has been firm: all safety-related duties should be paid at full hourly rate.