Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association negotiated a tentative four-year contract, preventing a potential nationwide strike that would have disrupted operations for over 110,000 passengers and 670 daily flights.
The agreement, reached after more than a year of negotiations, alleviates concerns among business groups, travelers, and government officials regarding a potential shutdown of the airline.
The deal is expected to provide approximately $1.9 billion in additional value for Air Canada’s pilots, while terms of the agreement remain confidential until ratification by union members and approval by the airline’s board.
Air Canada said that it offered substantial salary increases of over 30% and improvements to benefits, countering claims from the pilots’ union about below-market compensation amid record profits. It said customers who changed flights originally scheduled between Sunday and Sept. 23 under its labour disruption plan can change their booking back to their original flight in the same cabin at no cost, provided there is space available: “The new agreement recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada’s pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline.”
