Thursday, August 22, 2024 Air Canada pilots have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, with 98% in favor, amid efforts to secure wage increases and contract improvements. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, the over 5,000 pilots are pushing to narrow the wage gap with U.S.
counterparts. The move, part of broader labor unrest across various industries, could lead to significant travel disruptions if negotiations fail. However, a strike cannot occur until the current conciliation period ends, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period.
Both Air Canada and the union aim to reach an agreement to avoid chaos during peak travel times. In a decisive move that signals growing labor unrest within the airline industry, Air Canada pilots have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. The vote, which saw 98% of participating members in favor of the strike authorization, reflects the strong resolve among the more than 5,000 pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
This comes as the pilots seek to narrow the wage gap with their U.S. counterparts, who have recently secured record-breaking contracts amid a global pilot shortage and surging travel demand.
The Air Canada pilots’ vote to authorize a strike marks a significant escalation in their ongoing negotiations with the airline, which began last summer following the expiration of a decade-long contract framework. The pilots are pressing for what they describe as “historic gains,” aiming to secure.