Air Canada flights halt as union defies return order

Air Canada suspended plans to restart flights on Sunday after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants defied a government back-to-work order.

The strike, which began Saturday, is disrupting travel for about 130,000 passengers daily during peak summer travel. 

The Canada Industrial Relations Board had ordered staff back by 2 p.m. yesterday, but the airline now says flights will resume Monday evening.

Union leaders insist the directive is unconstitutional and accuse Air Canada of avoiding real bargaining.

The federal government intervened, citing economic risks, and extended the current contract into arbitration.

The airline warned that operations could take a week to stabilize, with continued cancellations and delays.