Air Canada Pilots Likely to Go on Strike Next Month

TORONTO- Air Canada (AC) pilots may strike as early as September 17, escalating tensions in ongoing contract negotiations. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and Air Canada remain at odds over compensation and other issues after a year of talks.

Despite private mediation efforts in early 2024, the parties entered conciliation, indicating significant unresolved differences. The union is now seeking a strike mandate from its 5,500 members.

Air Canada Pilots Strike Possibility

Charlene Hudy, chair of the master elected council, highlights pilot frustration, citing a substantial pay gap with American counterparts. Some U.S. pilots reportedly earn twice as much as their Canadian equivalents.

The union’s distribution of “Strike Ready” materials to members signals a heightened state of preparedness for potential job action. This move could pressure Air Canada to improve its offer.

On the other hand, Air Canada reports progress in negotiations with pilots, citing agreements on several items. The airline aims to finalize a deal within weeks, addressing remaining issues.

The potential pilot strike adds to a series of disruptions in Canadian aviation this year, including Lynx Air’s shutdown, WestJet’s (WS) mechanic strike, and weather-related issues affecting Calgary’s airport (YYC).

Rick Erickson, a Calgary-based aviation analyst, describes to CBC News that the situation is an ongoing crisis in Canada’s airline sector. He notes Air Canada’s long period of labor stability and pilots’ observations of substantial benefits gained by U.S. counterparts.

The pilots’ previous 10-year collective agreement expired in September 2023. It was terminated early through an escape clause. This early termination reflects growing dissatisfaction among Air Canada pilots.

North American airlines, including Air Canada, experienced a sharp rise in demand post-pandemic. However, the industry now faces challenges such as seat oversupply, high fuel costs, and aircraft delivery delays.

Pilots Aim to Quit Airline

In March 2024, we reported that around 70% of Air Canada pilots looking to quit the airline due to poor pay and a rise in cost.

Over the year, Charlene Hudy, the first officer on the 737 MAX and chair of the Air Canada pilots union, has consistently conveyed the message during negotiations with Air Canada (AC), advocating for salary parity with American counterparts on behalf of the nearly 5,300 pilots in Air Canada’s ranks.

“About 10% of our pilot group, roughly 500 pilots, are actively engaged with a U.S. immigration firm to secure their E2-B visa for potential employment in the States,” she reports.

The salary spectrum for Canadian pilots spans from approximately $40,000 for new hires to over $200,000 for experienced captains, reported the National Post.

Pilot Shortage

Last year in August, Air Canada had to make adjustments to its flight schedule for Calgary as it failed to recruit new pilots. In an announcement, the airline confirmed that it will discontinue direct flights between Calgary and several major destinations: Ottawa, Halifax, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Cancun, and Frankfurt, effective by the end of October 2023.

Air Canada’s spokesperson, Peter Fitzpatrick, explained that these route cancellations are aimed at enhancing the overall operational reliability of the airline.

He mentioned that the ongoing shortage of regional pilots within the industry will continue to affect Air Canada’s regional network for a prolonged period.

What are your thoughts on the issue with Pilot pay across North America? Let us know in the comments.

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