The NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stated that his party will “never support” back-to-work legislation as an Air Canada pilot strike looms. Singh emphasized that interfering with workers’ rights is not something his party will stand for, regardless of which government proposes such legislation. He also criticized Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for his comments on the looming strike and opposing back-to-work legislation, accusing him of not truly supporting workers’ interests. The NDP’s stance is clear: they will fight against any bills proposing back-to-work legislation.
Meanwhile, Poilievre called for a “fair deal” and urged Air Canada to negotiate in good faith with the pilots. He emphasized the importance of allowing workers to fight for better wages and conditions. If a settlement is not reached by Sunday, Air Canada or the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) could issue a 72-hour lockout or strike notice. ALPA has set up a “strike headquarters” near Toronto Pearson Airport to support its members in case of a strike. The union hopes that Air Canada will recognize the value the pilots bring to the airline and avert a potential strike through serious negotiations.
Air Canada is preparing to suspend operations ahead of a possible pilot strike, with flight cancellations potentially starting as early as Friday. Air Canada president and CEO Michael Rousseau expressed the need to protect customers from potential disruptions caused by a work stoppage. The airline is planning an “orderly shutdown” of its operations once a strike or lockout notice is issued, with operations expected to come to a complete halt by Wednesday, Sept. 18. However, some operations may start winding down as early as Friday. Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, but regional partners that carry only 20% of the daily customers.
The potential work stoppage could impact 110,000 passengers a day, and negotiations between Air Canada and the pilots’ union have stalled due to issues related to wages and working conditions. Aviation experts, including John Gradek from McGill University, have highlighted the wage disparities between Air Canada pilots and their counterparts in the United States. There is a significant gap that needs to be addressed in terms of salaries and working conditions. The pilots’ union has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate if a new contract cannot be reached, putting the focus on reaching a fair settlement to avoid disruptions in air travel.
Under Air Canada’s policy, customers with tickets for travel between Sept. 15 and 23 can rebook on other flights with the same origin and destination up to Nov. 30 at no additional cost. Customers willing to cancel their travel plans and rebook for a later date will have their change fees waived, but may have to pay any fare difference. The union has not yet set a strike date, but the focus remains on reaching a fair agreement that addresses the issues of wages and working conditions faced by Air Canada pilots. Negotiations are crucial in avoiding a potential strike and ensuring the stability of operations in the aviation industry.
