Air Canada Averts Pilot Strike with New Contract

DALLAS — Air Canada (AC) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have tentatively agreed on a new four-year contract.

Last week, the airline was preparing to suspend most of its flights as negotiations with its pilots’ union over wage demands came to a near standstill. ALPA was asking for pay increases to align with their U.S. counterparts, who secured higher wages in 2023 during a pilot shortage and rising travel demand. 

If no agreement was reached, the airline would have halted operations today. With approximately 670 flights daily, the suspension could have disrupted travel for around 110,000 passengers daily. Gladly, that did not happen.

The Agreement

The tentative agreement announced by the airline covers over 5,200 pilots from AC and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge. It acknowledges the professionalism and contributions of the pilots while offering a framework for the airline's future growth.

The specific terms of the agreement remain confidential and are subject to a ratification vote by ALPA members, which is expected to conclude within a month. Approval by AC's Board of Directors is also required. 

Additionally, the airline says those customers who had modified flights between September 15 and 23, 2024, can revert to their original flights at no additional cost, provided there is availability in the same cabin, this under the airline's labor disruption goodwill policy.