Sun Sep 15 12:46:17 UTC 2024: ## Air Canada Averts Major Strike, Pilots Reach Last-Minute Deal

**Montreal, Canada** – Air Canada pilots have reached a tentative agreement with the airline, averting a strike that would have grounded over 1,000 daily flights worldwide. The agreement, reached after more than a year of negotiations, comes as a major relief to travelers and the Canadian economy.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing over 5,000 Air Canada pilots, had been seeking a pay increase to close the gap with their US counterparts. The agreement includes a 4% annual pay increase for three years, a 26% upfront pay boost, and other benefits. This translates to a 42% overall compensation increase 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 deal still requires approval from a majority of voting members.

Air Canada, which carries over 110,000 passengers daily and transports 30% of Canada’s air freight, had warned of significant disruptions if a strike occurred. The airline’s operations are critical to Canada’s supply chain, transporting goods like pharmaceuticals, food, car parts, and live animals. Air Canada is also the largest foreign carrier in the US, with up to 400 daily transborder flights.

Business lobby groups had urged the government to intervene, citing the potential damage to Canadian supply chains and international reputation caused by recent labor disruptions. However, the last-minute agreement avoids further strain on these critical sectors.

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