As a potential strike by Air Canada pilots looms, some Toronto travellers are taking precautions and making back-up plans for their upcoming flights.
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) has announced that its members could potentially go on strike as early as September 21, if a new contract agreement is not reached with the airline. This has caused concern among passengers who have booked flights with Air Canada in the near future.
According to ACPA, the main issues in the contract negotiations include job security, working conditions, and compensation. The union has been in negotiations with Air Canada since September 2019, but has yet to reach a satisfactory agreement.
In response to the potential strike, some travellers have already started making alternative arrangements. This includes booking flights with other airlines or changing their travel dates to avoid potential disruptions.
One traveller, Sarah Jones, had planned to fly to Vancouver for a business trip on September 23. However, upon hearing about the potential strike, she decided to change her flight to September 20 to avoid any potential disruptions.
“I can’t afford to have my flight cancelled or delayed due to a strike. It would greatly impact my work and cause a lot of inconvenience,” Jones said.
Other travellers have also expressed their concerns about the potential strike, with some even considering cancelling their flights altogether.
In a statement, Air Canada has assured its customers that it is working to minimize any potential disruptions caused by the strike. The airline has also stated that it has a contingency plan in place to continue operating flights in the event of a strike.
However, ACPA has warned that if a strike does occur, it could have a significant impact on Air Canada’s operations and could potentially lead to flight cancellations and delays.
In the meantime, both parties continue to negotiate in hopes of reaching a new contract agreement before the strike deadline. ACPA has stated that it remains committed to reaching a fair deal for its members, while Air Canada has stated that it is committed to reaching a deal that is in the best interest of its employees and customers.
As the situation continues to unfold, travellers are advised to stay informed and make necessary arrangements in case of a strike. It is recommended to regularly check flight statuses and to have a back-up plan in place.
