Pilots grant union strike authority, aiming to close pay gap with US counterparts amid stalled talks
Air Canada pilots have given their union a strong strike mandate after negotiations for a new labour agreement stalled for over a year, according to BNN Bloomberg.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents more than 5,400 Air Canada pilots, is currently engaged in a federal conciliation process with the airline.
This process is scheduled to conclude on August 26, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period. If no agreement is reached, the pilots could legally strike starting September 17.
On Thursday morning, ALPA announced that 98 per cent of its members participated in the strike authorization vote, with 98 per cent voting in favour. ALPA noted that such a vote is a standard part of the negotiation process and does not necessarily indicate that a strike will occur.
Air Canada echoed this sentiment in a statement, emphasizing that the vote is a routine step and not a sign of imminent disruption.
Despite the potential for a strike, Air Canada’s stock price showed only a minor decrease, dropping by 0.9 per cent to $15.43 on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of 12:40 pm.
The pilots are seeking to narrow the pay gap with their counterparts at major US airlines, which have recently secured substantial pay increases. Last year, WestJet Airlines Ltd., owned by Onex Corp., agreed to a contract that includes a 24 per cent pay raise over four years.
ALPA argues that Air Canada pilots currently earn less than half of what pilots at comparable airlines receive.
Charlene Hudy, the head of ALPA’s local chapter, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations.
“Management continues to force us closer to a strike position by not listening to our needs at the negotiating table regarding fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements,” Hudy stated.
