Air Canada pilots are nearing the end of federal conciliation in long-running contract negotiations with the airline, warning a September strike may follow.
Federal conciliation is scheduled to end Aug. 26, after which a 21-day cooling-off period would begin. The pilots’ union, Air Line Pilots Association Int’l (ALPA), said a strike ballot is set to close Aug. 22, and they would be in a legal strike position as soon as Sept. 17.
“We want to reach an agreement with Air Canada to avert a strike. However, management continues to force us closer to a strike position by not listening to our needs at the negotiating table regarding fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council.
“Air Canada pilots continue to fall behind our industry peers in total compensation who make significantly more for flying the same aircraft on the same routes. This disparity is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.”
These comments come in the wake of favourable second-quarter financial results from Air Canada, including $914 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).
The pilots have been in contract negotiations with their employer since June 2023.
“Failing to improve our pilots’ wages and working conditions will negatively impact management’s ability to attract and retain pilots, which will negatively impact Air Canada’s future growth plans,” added Charlene Hudy.
