Airport mornings are always rushed. Families arrive three hours early, dealing with endless security lines and TSA checks, with their hearts racing with the fear of missing their flight. Finally, they reach the gate, relieved yet only to find their flight delayed. Not because of weather, not because of technical issues, but because the flight attendants themselves were on strike. This was the reality for Air Canada passengers when labor disputes over boarding pay stopped flights across the country, leaving the airline scrambling for solutions. 

On August 16, 2025, the Canadian Union of Public Workers, representing over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada, announced that their "unpaid work [was] over." This was triggered by the lack of boarding pay, which also led to the airline facing complaints from passengers seeking compensation for their canceled flights. 

Fortunately, the strike only lasted three days. On August 19, 2025, the union decided to officially end the strike and reached an agreement. While not many specifics about the deal were disclosed, it was confirmed that the union had successfully secured a benefit in their contract. Flight attendants feel they rightfully deserve boarding compensation because of the stressful processes involved during boarding. Thanks to their well-organized strike, the flight attendants achieved the justice they deserved for their work. 

Strikes are often seen as extreme or ineffective, but they are a valid method of protest and negotiation. Whether it’s about unpaid labor or unfair wages, strikes empower workers and ensure their efforts are recognized. Just like strikes, other forms of activism, such as boycotts and petitions, can also be very effective. 

For instance, boycotts against certain Zionist or anti-Palestine companies have led to major financial losses. Companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s saw their market value drop by about $18 billion due to organized public pressure. These examples demonstrate that collective action, either in the form of strikes or consumer activism, can create real change when people come together for a shared cause. 

Historically, labor movements and unions have used similar tactics to bring about change. Through actions like strikes and boycotts, collective efforts have shown time and again that they can influence policy and safeguard workers' rights. Just like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the civil rights marches of the 1950s and 1960s fought against systemic injustice through organized and ongoing activism, strikes such as Air Canada’s illustrate that coordinated efforts in the corporate world can lead to positive outcomes. Unions are designed to empower workers, helping them to understand their rights and the significance of their collective voice. 

The recent Air Canada strike reinforces this idea. When workers come together for a common goal, they can advocate for fair treatment, gain acknowledgment for their work, and establish standards for future workplaces. While boarding pay might be a new idea, the fundamental lesson remains unchanged and rewarding. Achieving justice often demands bravery, organization, and a readiness to act. Worker unions were formed for this purpose, to facilitate boycotts and to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and their strength. The flight attendants’ success regarding boarding pay may just be one example, but it highlights a truth of when individuals acknowledge their rights, collaborate, and take action, they can change the policies that affect their lives and make sure their voices are heard.