Hundreds of flights grounded as Air Canada staff strike

Here is a 195-word summary of the news article: Hundreds of flights have been grounded as Air Canada staff go on strike. The airline estimates this will disrupt travel plans for approximately 130,000 passengers daily. The strike action involves airport and call center workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The union is in a contract dispute with Air Canada over wages, pensions, and working conditions. Air Canada has warned travelers to expect significant delays and cancellations as a result of the strike. The airline is urging passengers to check their flight status and rebook if necessary. Both sides in the dispute have expressed a willingness to return to the negotiating table, but no agreement has been reached as of yet. The federal government has refrained from intervening, stating that the matter is best resolved through collective bargaining. The strike is expected to have a major impact on air travel in Canada, with thousands of passengers facing disruptions to their plans. Resolving the labor dispute quickly will be crucial to minimizing the fallout for travelers.