When you hear about a union going on strike, it can seem like the story starts there. But the reality is, a strike is almost never the first move—it’s the last resort.
Long before a picket line appears, workers have spent months—sometimes years—trying to resolve issues at the bargaining table. They’ve made proposals, had difficult conversations, and exhausted every reasonable option. Taking a strike vote or hitting the streets isn’t something workers want to do. It’s something they’re sometimes forced to do when employers refuse to listen or negotiate fairly.
A strike isn’t about greed or getting ahead—it’s about fairness, dignity, and refusing to accept less than what’s deserved.
You may have heard—or soon will hear—about the ongoing negotiations between CUPE’s Air Canada Component and the airline. Over 10,000 flight attendants recently voted 99.7% in favour of strike action. That near-unanimous result reflects deep frustration after months of stalled negotiations over critical issues like unpaid work, poor scheduling practices, and poverty-level wages.
These are workers who spend hours in the air and on the ground ensuring passenger safety, often without being paid for all the time they’re on duty. They aren’t just looking for better pay—they’re fighting for the recognition and respect they’ve earned.
So next time you hear the word “strike,” don’t stop at the headline. Look deeper. Behind every strike is a story worth hearing—and workers worth supporting.