Air Canada has indicated it might request arbitration from the Canadian government to avoid disruption due to a potential strike by the pilots’ union.
Over 5,200 pilots from Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, who are members of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), could issue a strike notice as early as September 15, with operations potentially coming to a complete halt 72 hours later.
Out of more than 1,000 proposals put forward by the union, about 70% have reached a tentative agreement. The union has demanded a raise based on American standards, which is higher than what the company has proposed. The company is not seeking immediate intervention but intends to request binding interest arbitration under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code before the strike begins if negotiations fail to reach an agreement.
Canadian industry and tourism associations also voiced their concerns at a press conference, calling on the government to take measures to prevent the strike.
