Air Canada, union head to key talks as strike looms: ‘Completely stalled’

Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing its pilots, are holding negotiations this week in an effort to avert a strike after discussions reportedly "completely stalled" last week.

The talks come at a critical time, with the NDP withdrawing its support for the governing Liberals. This has raised concerns about potential back-to-work legislation if a strike occurs and whether opposition parties might introduce non-confidence motions in response.

As of last week, the pilots’ union reported that negotiations had hit an impasse. "Due to the confidential nature of negotiations, we cannot comment [on] specific proposals that are being passed between the parties at the negotiating table," said First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA master executive council, in a statement to Global News on Thursday. She added, "What we can say is that as of last week, talks had completely stalled. We are meeting with the company this week and hope to see more movement on the items that remain."

Hudy did not provide details on Air Canada's offers but mentioned that wage increases would vary based on pilot seniority, with junior pilots expected to receive the largest increases if a deal is reached. "They live in the biggest cities across Canada and currently make a salary that makes it very hard to sustain a family," Hudy explained. She noted that a quarter of pilots have second jobs, with 80% of those doing so out of necessity. Hudy also pointed out that compensation has not kept pace with inflation or the pay levels of peer airlines, due to the terms of their current 10-year contract.

Air Canada has not provided a comment directly to Global News but posted a statement on its website confirming ongoing negotiations with ALPA. The airline stated that its operations are not currently affected, and flights are running as scheduled. However, customers who booked tickets on or before August 27, 2024, for travel between September 15 and 23, 2024, are allowed to change their bookings or make alternate travel arrangements for peace of mind.

Last week, Air Canada expressed its intention to reach a negotiated settlement with the union and noted that progress had been made. Despite this, the airline still faces the possibility of a strike by its 5,400 pilots as early as September 17, when the union would be legally allowed to strike. The ALPA has not yet set a strike date but received overwhelming support from its members for a strike mandate should a new contract not be reached.

For travelers with bookings during the potential strike period, Air Canada offers the option to rebook on any Air Canada flight with the same origin and destination until November 30 without additional charges. Those wishing to cancel and rebook after that date can do so with waived change fees, though fare differences will apply. Passengers may also cancel flights and receive a credit for future travel. Refunds will be issued for those with refundable tickets, but not for non-refundable ticket holders, as flights are currently scheduled to proceed as planned.

This policy applies to all flights operated by Air Canada, including Air Canada mainline, Rouge, Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz or PAL Airlines), and Air Canada Vacations.