By Skies Magazine | September 28, 2023 Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 50 seconds.
Air Canada pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), are set to stage an informational picket on Sept. 29 as their decade-long, outdated contract comes to an end. Hundreds of Air Canada pilots, with support from their counterparts from various airlines, will assemble at Toronto Pearson Airport’s Terminal 1 to emphasize their commitment to securing a “world-class, industry-leading contract,” according to a media advisory from ALPA.
The largest airline pilot union in the world, ALPA represents more than 75,000 pilots at 43 airlines in Canada and the U.S.
Ultimately, Air Canada pilots are hoping to achieve a collective agreement that accurately mirrors the present aviation landscape. Ideally, the agreement would address vital issues such as career progression, job security, aviation safety, and, crucially, the need to bridge the growing wage disparity between Canadian and American pilots — “to continue to attract the best pilots in the industry.”
“Air Canada pilots are united and dedicated to achieving the world-class contract our pilot group deserves,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada Master Executive Council. “As we witness Air Canada cutting routes due to an industry-wide shortage of pilots, we encourage them to close the growing wage gap between Canada and the United States.”
The airline has recently cut routes out of Calgary and Saint John, N.B., citing the industry’s pilot shortage.
“Air Canada has an opportunity to recognize the current market trends in the aviation sector and acknowledge the value and expertise our pilots bring to our company and passengers every day,” added Hudy. “Our pilots have invested in the airline; it’s time for them to invest in us.”
According to a report from Reuters, Air Canada has said it plans to operate business as usual while the informational picket takes place at the airline’s Toronto hub.
