In a stunning turn of events, Air Canada has grounded all flights as over 10,000 flight attendants launched a strike early this morning, leaving travelers stranded and scrambling during the peak summer travel season. The sudden cancellation of operations affects approximately 130,000 passengers daily, with an estimated 25,000 Canadians potentially stranded abroad.

The strike erupted after negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) broke down, with the union rejecting the airline’s request for government-directed arbitration. This move would have stripped the attendants of their right to strike and allowed a third-party mediator to impose contract terms. Frustration has mounted as Air Canada failed to communicate effectively with its staff, leaving many attendants uncertain about their compensation and travel arrangements.

In a press conference, Air Canada confirmed it would cover hotel expenses for flight attendants but refused to guarantee wage compensation or clarity on their return home. Tensions are high as the union accuses the airline of dismantling its own operations by neglecting employee communication and failing to address workers’ concerns.

Travelers across various airports in the U.S. are now facing chaos, with flights canceled and no clear path forward. As the situation unfolds, many are left in limbo, trying to navigate a sudden disruption that has upended their travel plans. The urgency of the strike and the impact on thousands of passengers cannot be overstated, as the peak travel season now hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to evolve.