Sun Sep 15 12:46:17 UTC 2024: ## Air Canada Averts Major Strike, Reaching Last-Minute Agreement with Pilots
**MONTREAL** – A potential air travel disaster has been averted as Air Canada reached a last-minute agreement with its pilots’ union, preventing a strike that would have grounded over 1,000 daily flights worldwide.
The deal, announced late Tuesday, came after months of tense negotiations between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). ALPA, representing over 5,000 Air Canada pilots, had sought to close a pay gap with their US counterparts, particularly for entry-level pilots.
The agreement includes a 4% annual pay increase over three years, plus a 26% upfront pay boost, as well as other benefits. This translates to a total compensation increase of 42% over the four-year contract, costing the airline an estimated $1.9 billion.
“After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules,” said Charlene Hudy, chair of ALPA’s executive council for Air Canada pilots.
The agreement still needs to be approved by a majority of voting members.
The potential strike had raised significant concerns, as Air Canada carries over 110,000 passengers daily and handles 30% of Canada’s air freight. This includes essential goods like pharmaceuticals, food, car parts, and even live animals.
The airline’s large presence in the US, with up to 400 daily transborder flights, also meant the strike would have had a substantial impact on international travel.
Business groups had urged the government to intervene, citing concerns about the impact on Canada’s supply chains and international reputation.
This agreement comes as a relief to travelers and businesses alike, preventing a major disruption to air travel. The focus now shifts to the vote among the pilots, with the hope that the deal will be ratified and the threat of a strike permanently averted.
First Piper 