Air Canada work stoppage creates travel chaos at Bay Area airports and beyond

A government order has forced Air Canada and its striking flight attendants back to work and into arbitration after a strike disrupted travel for over 100,000 passengers worldwide. The flight attendants went on strike due to disputes over low wages, causing significant cancellations, particularly at San Francisco International Airport. Travelers, including Hakim Gulaid and Neil Ortleib, reported extensive delays and difficulties in rebooking their flights amid the chaos. Air Canada has advised customers to refrain from coming to the airport unless they possess confirmed tickets on alternative airlines. The airline also announced that affected customers would be eligible for full refunds through its website or mobile app.

This situation has arisen during the peak summer travel season, heightening the impact on families trying to reunite. The flight attendants' union cited insufficient wages, stating they had to establish food banks due to low pay. The government intervention highlights the ongoing tensions between labor and management in the airline industry.