Air Canada voted to strike. Am I correct to understand that there is a mandatory cooling off period? The earliest date they could strike is September 17th. Flights before that should not be affected and everything is as normal until that date?
Just a bit concerned, as I am travelling soon, but returning from Canada before September 17th.
Could they strike earlier by any chance?

Seems like they are now going on strike.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/air-...ands-1.7030290

https://www.thestar.com/business/air...7e1464107.html
Apparently they don't have to wait until Sept. 17th.
Cancellations could start as early as Friday.

The cancellations are to ensure that there are no planes/passengers/crew stranded overseas if the strike does go ahead. It's possible that the strike could still be avoided but it seems more likely than not that it will go ahead at this point.

I was guessing that.
I am travelling on the 12th, arriving on the 13th in Europe on an AC flight.
I hope I'll make it.
I think the union's demands are unreasonable.

Good luck.

I would presume one is better of not accepting any financial refunds of just the ticket price.
Yes one would get the money back, but one would have to pay more for a similar flight.
AC would have to compensate the traveller much more I believe.
In terms of compensation I would wait for AC to make the first move. Legally they have to make an offer more than just the refund of the ticket.