Sat Sep 14 15:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Air Canada Pilots and Airline Near Strike Deadline, Potentially Disrupting Travel for Thousands
**OTTAWA** – With a midnight deadline looming, negotiations between Air Canada and its pilots remain stalled, threatening a potential shutdown for Canada’s largest airline. After over a year of negotiations, the two sides are now able to trigger a 72-hour strike or lockout notice, potentially disrupting travel for over 100,000 passengers daily starting this Sunday.
The main sticking point appears to be pay, with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) accusing Air Canada of “corporate greed” for demanding below-market compensation while posting record profits. The airline, on the other hand, claims the union’s “unreasonable wage demands” are hindering progress and has called for government intervention.
ALPA Canada President Capt. Tim Perry has urged the federal government to uphold workers’ collective bargaining rights and refrain from intervention, arguing it violates Canadians’ constitutional rights. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained that it is up to the two sides to reach a deal, emphasizing the government’s respect for the right to strike and its intervention only if a negotiated agreement proves impossible.
Meanwhile, numerous business groups have pressured the government to intervene to protect both business and travellers.
Air Canada has acknowledged the potential impact of a shutdown, stating it will take up to 10 days to resume normal operations after a 72-hour notice is issued. The airline plans to gradually shut down operations, starting with repositioning its 252 aircraft and crews across 47 countries.
In preparation, Air Canada is offering travellers scheduled to fly between Sunday and September 23 free flight changes, potentially extending this offer. The airline has also committed to notifying all passengers of any disruptions before their scheduled flights.
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