Cabin Ops – Flight Attendant Pay & Self-Audits

Canada’s Labour Program is taking a closer look at how flight attendants are compensated, following concerns that current pay structures may not fully meet federal minimum wage labour standards.

ESDC Investigation

In August 2025, a fact-finding probe was launched by ESDC to examine airline compensation practices. Initial consultations brought together 21 industry organizations and produced insights into how flight attendants are paid. Most airlines rely on a credit-based system, where pay is tied primarily to flight time, with adjustments for other duties.

While both employers and employees agree that all duties—on the ground and in the air—count as work, disagreement remains over whether current pay models fully compensate those hours. Worker representatives argue some duties may effectively go unpaid, particularly for junior staff.

Operator Self-Audits

Although the Labour Program found that compensation structures generally meet legal standards, it has flagged areas for closer scrutiny and is planning further review, data collection, and potential compliance measures throughout 2026. As part of this effort, ESDC required operators to conduct self-audits which were due May 22nd. ATAC supported it members throughout the process by participating in all calls with ESDC and industry, submitting in addition to setting up an ATAC Members only session with ESDC to answer any questions regarding the Self-Audits.