Air Canada says strike stopped after tentative deal with pilots

Air Canada has successfully averted a potential strike by reaching a tentative agreement with its pilots. This resolution comes after protracted negotiations that highlighted the critical need for improved working conditions and compensation within the airline industry. The pilots, represented by their union, expressed concerns over long hours and insufficient pay relative to their responsibilities. The tentative deal signifies not only a compromise between labor and management but also underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving industrial disputes.

Labour talks between Air Canada and its pilots are approaching a midnight deadline, when either side could trigger the start of a shutdown for Canada's largest airline.

After more than 14 months of negotiations, starting Sunday the two sides will be in a position to provide 72-hour notice of a strike or lockout that could disrupt travel for the more than 100,000 passengers who fly the airline daily.

In the days leading up to the deadline, the two sides have said they remain far apart on the central question of pay.

Air Canada told Global News on Saturday that it remains “engaged with the union to reach a new collective agreement.”

However, in preparation for a shutdown, the airline has started to curtail its services.

“We have begun taking some measures, including limiting certain types of cargo shipments, such as perishables, and adjusting some aircraft flying schedules to have them positioned properly in event of a wind down,” Air Canada said in an emailed statement.

“Although our preparations for a possible suspension of operations continue, we have not yet cancelled any flights.”

Atlantic Canada to Europe and the United States, said Duncan Dee, former chief operating officer at the airline.

Dee said Air Canada would have had to start cancelling long-haul flights this weekend to ensure its planes are not overseas if a work stoppage would have gone ahead.

Air Canada on Thursday called for the federal government to be ready to intervene and order both sides to binding arbitration. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday said he wouldn't tip the scales toward either party.

Air Canada has said it will have to start gradually shutting down operations once 72-hour notice is given as it will take time to properly position its 252 aircraft and its crews that fly to 47 countries.

It says if operations are shut down, it will take up to 10 days to resume normal operations.

The airline is offering travellers scheduled to fly between Sunday and Sept. 23 to change their flight for free, which is a potential for extending that, and said it will notify all travellers of any impact in advance of their flight.

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Sarah H

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