Summary Over 98% of Air Canada pilots voted in favor of a strike mandate, sending a clear message to management. Pilots feel undervalued compared to US counterparts, citing outdated contracts and low pay levels. Airline CEO hopes to reach a deal soon, but compensation and wages remain a sticking point in negotiations.
Air Canada pilots may be able to strike as early as September 17th after an overwhelming majority of them - more than 98% - voted in favor of a strike mandate. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) took the vote, representing more than 5,400 pilots at the country’s flag carrier. Why strike? In June 2024, Air Canada pilots, represented by ALPA, filed a contract dispute with the Canadian Mediation and Conciliation Service after the union and the airline failed to come to an agreement after contract negotiations began a year prior.
The negotiation process will end this Monday, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period, after which the pilots can strike . It leaves September 17th as the earliest day disruptions can occur. The month of September is one of the busiest for Air Canada, as it's wrapping up the summer travel season and could result in the airline becoming crippled.
Speaking to the Toronto Star , Charlene Hudy, the Head of the ALPA Air Canada contingent, said that the vote is “a clear message to management” that pilots are willing to take drastic action to secure a better deal. Hudy says the current contract had elements from nearly two decades ago wh.