Core Viewpoint - Air Canada anticipates significant flight cancellations due to a planned strike by flight attendants, affecting around 100,000 passengers and disrupting the tourism sector during peak summer travel [1][4][10]. Flight Cancellations and Impact - The airline expects to cancel several dozen flights by the end of Thursday and around 500 flights by the end of Friday [1][8]. - The cancellations are a result of the complexity of Air Canada's operations, which involve over 250 aircraft flying to more than 65 countries [1][2]. - As of Thursday midday, Air Canada had already canceled nine flights [4]. Union and Negotiation Status - The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents 10,000 flight attendants and has expressed that Air Canada negotiators are not engaging in discussions [9]. - The union has previously opposed binding arbitration and believes the company is seeking federal government intervention [9][13]. - Air Canada has offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, with a 25% raise in the first year, but the union is pushing for compensation for all hours worked, including boarding and waiting times [14]. Passenger Concerns - Passengers have expressed anxiety over potential cancellations affecting their travel plans, with some reporting difficulties in rebooking flights [5][6]. - Support for the flight attendants' strike is evident among passengers, who are concerned about fair compensation for the crew [7][8]. Government Involvement - Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both Air Canada and the union to return to the bargaining table to avoid disruptions [9].