Air Canada has successfully reached a tentative agreement with the union representing over 5,200 pilots, avoiding a potential strike that could have begun on Wednesday. The airline announced the deal with the Air Line Pilots Association just after midnight on Sunday, ensuring that flights on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will continue to operate without disruption.
The agreement comes after over a year of negotiations, with pay being a central issue. The pilots’ union argued that despite Air Canada’s record profits, pilots were being offered below-market compensation. In response, Air Canada proposed salary increases of more than 30% over four years, along with benefit improvements. Both parties had been at odds in the days leading up to the deadline, but this preliminary deal offers a solution to avoid a work stoppage.
While the details of the agreement remain confidential pending a vote by the union’s membership and approval from Air Canada’s board of directors, the airline confirmed that customers who had rebooked flights under its labour disruption plan can now return to their original flights at no extra cost, provided there is availability.
The deal is expected to be ratified in the coming month, providing relief for passengers who rely on Air Canada for their travel needs. On average, the airline operates 670 daily flights, serving over 110,000 passengers.
This tentative agreement prevents major travel disruptions, which were anticipated if a strike had occurred, and highlights the ongoing discussions between Air Canada and the pilots’ union regarding fair compensation and working conditions.