Air Canada Layoffs: October 2025 Update + Severance Rights

Air Canada is the country’s largest airline and Canada’s flag carrier. The company provides transportation services to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the U.S, and 88 internationally.

With roots going back to 1937, Air Canada employs a total workforce of more than 18,000 people, according to LinkedIn.

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the airline operates at airports in major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. It employees people in various roles, such as managers, airport workers, millwrights and pilots.

Notable Air Canada Layoff Updates

Oct. 2025: Air Canada is scaling back its managerial workforce following an “extensive review.”
Jan. 2021: The airline is eliminating around 1,700 jobs as it scales down operations in response to new COVID-19 restrictions.
May 2020: Air Canada is planning to reduce its workforce by at least half as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on the airline industry. The company said it’s currently flying at about five per cent of the capacity it flew in 2019.

In Canada, non-unionized employees at the airline are entitled to significant compensation (up to 24 months’ pay) when fired or let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.

📲 Use our Severance Pay Calculator to get a free estimate in seconds.

A wrongful dismissal occurs if Air Canada terminates you without cause — or incorrectly “for cause” — and doesn’t provide the correct amount of severance pay.

📰 Layoffs in Canada – Live Tracker

Laid off at Air Canada? 5 Key Steps

Don’t sign anything on the spot: Carefully review all documents, including your severance offer. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
Keep relevant documentation: Save any termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
Use the Severance Pay Calculator: This tool will help you determine whether you’re being offered the correct amount of compensation.
Contact an employment lawyer: The experienced team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure you receive the severance pay you’re legally entitled to — not a dollar less.
Start searching for comparable employment: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.

📺 WATCH: Layoff Rights Explained

FAQs About Severance & Termination

👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?

Yes — but many contracts include unenforceable clauses. Always get it reviewed by Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?

Usually not. A temporary layoff may qualify as constructive dismissal if not contractually permitted.

👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?

Yes, if your role resembled that of a full-time employee. Employees are often misclassified as independent contractors.

👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Up to 2 years from your termination date.

Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.

HBC Restores Severance After Lawyer’s Intervention

Hudson’s Bay reinstated full severance packages for a group of laid off employees after significant public outcry and the legal advocacy of Lior Samfiru. As reported by Global News, this outcome highlights the importance of standing up for employee rights and getting legal support.

Short Stint, Huge Statement

In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just 8 months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured 4 months of severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.

BMO Faces the Music

In Maticevic v. Bank of Montreal, a dedicated long-term employee found justice after being wrongfully dismissed. With Stephen LeMesurier, a lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP leading the charge, they secured a game-changing severance package.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If you’ve been fired or let go from Air Canada for any reason, don’t sign anything until you speak with the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Your employer might be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.

🛡️ We Know Severance
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped many non-unionized employees understand their rights, challenge unfair severance packages, and get what the law truly says they’re owed.

👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

⚠️ Unionized?
Contact your union immediately. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.

Air Canada Layoffs: October 2025 Update + Severance Rights

Notable Air Canada Layoff Updates