Air Canada pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate with a 98 percent approval, potentially allowing them to strike as early as September 17.
The pilots, numbering over 5,400 at Air Canada, have been engaged in negotiations with the airline since June 2023, with ongoing discussions facilitated by a federal conciliator. The conciliation process is expected to conclude soon, leading to a 21-day cooling-off period.
Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council., emphasised that the strike vote conveys a strong message to management regarding the pilots’ willingness to take job action to secure improved contract terms.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said he was optimistic about reaching an agreement soon and both sides finding common ground on certain aspects, the union remains firm in its stance, citing the need for fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and enhancements to pilots’ quality of life as key negotiation priorities.
