MONTREAL/TORONTO: Air Canada is facing mounting pressure in contract talks after hundreds of its cabin crew members staged demonstrations at major airports, protesting against unpaid labor and demanding wage increases.

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, about 700 mostly female flight attendants in dark grey uniforms carried signs declaring "unpaid work won't fly," according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 10,000 Air Canada attendants. The union said a strike could be called as early as August 16 if no deal is reached.

The timing threatens to disrupt Canada's largest airline's peak summer travel season. The company recently reported a drop in second-quarter profit due to weaker passenger traffic to the U.S. market.

The dispute centers on the airline's long-standing pay structure. Like most carriers, Air Canada only pays cabin crew from the time an aircraft begins moving. CUPE wants attendants compensated for all hours worked, including boarding, deplaning, safety checks, waiting between flights, and handling emergencies.

Strike committee chair Shanyn Elliott said attendants average about 35 hours of unpaid work per month. She also pointed out that the last contract was signed a decade ago, leaving wages trailing inflation and forcing some attendants to rely on food banks or share bunk rooms.

CUPE is also seeking higher pay for recruits, saying the current rates are unsustainable given the cost of living.

Air Canada said it remains committed to negotiating an agreement that would make its flight attendants the highest paid in the country while ensuring the company's long-term growth.

The protests did not disrupt flights, and both sides say they prefer to reach a deal at the bargaining table. Federal mediators are involved in the talks, and Canada's Minister of Jobs and Families has expressed confidence in the process.

The push from Air Canada's attendants mirrors a broader trend across North America, where cabin crew at several U.S. airlines have won improved pay and compensation for pre-flight duties through recent negotiations.

Passengers watching Monday's demonstrations expressed mixed feelings. "I hope flight attendants get a fair contract and they deserve it," said 73-year-old traveler Jim Ken, who was flying to Malta. "I just hope everything goes smoothly… for both sides."

Jennifer Kozelj, press secretary to Canada's Minister of Jobs and Families, said both sides are working with federal mediators.

"We have faith in their ability to reach an agreement. Canadians expect them to work this out at the bargaining table."