As Air Canada cancels hundreds of flights in anticipation of a possible flight attendant's strike this weekend, an airline compensation company says

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says a strike by 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada will continue, defying an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board that it provide public notice by noon ET that it had ended the strike.

Flight attendants at Air Canada began voting on whether to authorize a strike vote as negotiations continue with the carrier, the union representing 10,000 flight attendants said on Monday.

Air Canada (TSX: AC) today announced the preliminary results of the now expired substantial issuer bid (the “Offer”) to purchase for cancellation up to $500 million of its Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares (collectively, the “Shares”) at a purchase price of not less than $18.50 and not more than $21.00 per Share. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Air Canada is committed to the bargaining process and remains fully available to continue negotiations toward a fair and equitable collective agreement with CUPE that recognizes the contributions of its flight attendants and supports the competitiveness and long-term growth of the company,” Air Canada said on its website July 25.

Tempers flared and patience was tested Monday as Air Canada passengers inside Toronto’s Pearson International Airport remained helplessly grounded while flight attendants continued to defy a federal back-to-work order.