After a decade of labour peace, Air Canada pilots have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, with 98% of voting members in favour. The Air Line Pilots Association union could lead its members off the job as early as September 17.
The union representing 5,400 pilots has been negotiating with Air Canada since June 2023, with talks overseen by a federal conciliator. That process will end Monday, followed by a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period. That would make September 17 the first possible date for job action.
Air Canada pilots will be in a strike position as of September 17. (Photo Credit: Lukas Gojda / Adobe Stock)
"Our goal is to avoid a strike and our focus remains on modernizing our contract for Air Canada pilots," said union leader Charlene Hudy
There have been major changes in the North American aviation industry since the last pilot deal, negotiated under the leadership of former AC CEO Calin Rovinescu. Pilots at U.S. carriers achieved record contracts last year, amid a shortage of pilots and a post-pandemic surge in travel demand.
Air Canada said yesterday that it would continue to work towards a collective agreement. The airline says progress has been made on several issues during the conciliation process.
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