Air Canada passengers may experience disruptions today as negotiations between the airline and its pilots reach a critical deadline.
According to the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), the current collective agreement between the airline and its pilots is set to expire at midnight tonight. If a new agreement is not reached by then, pilots may choose to take job action, which could result in flight cancellations and delays.
The ACPA has been in negotiations with Air Canada for several months, seeking improvements to working conditions and compensation for its members. The union represents approximately 3,000 pilots who fly for Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge.
In a statement released yesterday, ACPA President Captain Michael McKay said, “We remain committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with the company, but we are prepared to take job action if necessary to achieve our goals.”
Air Canada has also released a statement, assuring customers that they are working to minimize any potential disruptions. The airline has contingency plans in place and is prepared to use other pilots, including management and contract pilots, to operate flights if necessary.
In the event of a strike or lockout, Air Canada has stated that it will offer affected customers options to rebook or obtain a refund for their flights.
This is not the first time that Air Canada has faced labour disputes with its pilots. In 2012, the airline experienced a strike by its pilots, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and significant financial losses.
The potential for disruptions comes at a time when the airline industry is already struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Air Canada has been forced to reduce its flight schedule and lay off thousands of employees in response to the decrease in air travel demand.
As the deadline for negotiations approaches, both the ACPA and Air Canada are urging for a resolution to be reached to avoid any disruptions for passengers. The ACPA has stated that it remains committed to negotiating a fair agreement, while Air Canada has expressed its desire to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and to stay updated on any developments regarding the negotiations.
