Mon Sep 09 14:38:06 UTC 2024: ## Air Canada Prepares for Potential Strike, Threatening Flight Suspension

**Toronto, Canada** – Air Canada is preparing to suspend flight operations as early as Sunday, September 18th, in response to a potential strike by its pilots. The airline announced its three-day wind-down plan, citing a lack of progress in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The airline’s chief executive, Michael Rousseau, called the decision “extremely difficult,” acknowledging the significant inconvenience it would cause passengers. However, he emphasized that a managed shutdown was the only responsible course of action given the impasse in negotiations.

The airline has stated that it will begin cancelling flights gradually over three days, starting as early as September 13th. By midnight on September 18th, all Air Canada flights are expected to be suspended. Only regional partner flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue, affecting a small fraction of Air Canada’s daily passengers.

Air Canada has accused ALPA of making “excessive wage demands” that have led to a deadlock in negotiations. The airline has offered a 30% pay increase over three years, but ALPA argues that their members are falling behind other North American pilot groups and seek wages comparable to those at United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

ALPA’s Air Canada chair, Charlene Hudy, stated that Air Canada has the power to avert a strike, but needs to “get serious at the bargaining table and recognize the value our pilots bring to the airline.”

Passengers whose flights are cancelled will be eligible for full refunds and Air Canada is attempting to secure alternative travel options on other carriers, though limited space is available.

The potential strike has the potential to significantly disrupt air travel across Canada and internationally, with Air Canada carrying over 110,000 passengers daily. The airline will be repositioning its fleet and crews in preparation for a possible disruption to ensure a quick return to regular service once the situation resolves.

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