KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Air Canada reached a tentative deal over the weekend with its pilots union, avoiding a strike that could have shut most of its operations.
- The country’s biggest carrier had struck the four-year deal with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) , which represents more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.
- The deal’s terms will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by union members, expected to be completed over the next month, and Air Canada’s board.
Air Canada reached a tentative deal over the weekend with its pilots union, avoiding a strike that could have shut most of its operations.
The country’s biggest carrier said the terms of the four-year deal with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)—which represents more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge—”will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors.”
Strike Could Have Started Sunday Without Deal
Last Monday, Air Canada said that either side could issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice as early as yesterday if a deal couldn’t be reached.
Air Canada said the new deal recognized the “the contributions and professionalism” of its pilots and would provide a framework for the carrier’s growth.
This isn’t the first major Canadian labor dispute in recent weeks to grab headlines. Last month, the Canadian government brought a quick end to lockouts of unionized workers at the country’s two biggest freight railroad operators, which threatened trade with the U.S. and the national economy.
Air Canada shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) are down 15% this year.