Just days before a potential pilot strike that could have disrupted air travel across North America, Air Canada and its pilots, represented by union Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), have tentatively agreed to new contract terms.

ALPA said early on 15 September that the four-year deal will generate “an approximate additional” C$1.9 billion ($1.4 billion) of value for Air Canada pilots over the life of the contract.

“While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract,” Air Canada’s ALPA master executive council chair Charlene Hudy, says.

“After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules.”

Air Canada A220-300

Air Canada adds that the contract “recognises the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada’s pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline”.

The contract must now be approved by the 5,400-strong pilot group and Air Canada’s board of directors.

“This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework,” Hudy adds.

Negotiations on a new collective agreement began in June 2023 and entered private mediation in January 2024. In June, as talks dragged on, the union decided to file a notice of dispute and enter conciliation because the two sides were unable to reach a new collective agreement.

Last week, Canada’s largest carrier said it was preparing to suspend “most of its operations” as the negotiations stalled and a pilot strike loomed. Air Canada had said it and ALPA remained “far apart” on an agreement, adding that ALPA, citing wages paid by US carriers, has been seeking gains that “far exceed average Canadian wage increases”.

If the talks had remained at an impasse, beginning on 15 September either party had the right to issue a 72-hour strike or lock-out notice, which would have triggered the carrier’s three-day wind-down plan.

On 12 September, Air Canada called on the country’s minister of labour to prohibit the airline’s pilots from walking off the job, though the minister insisted the parties should reach an agreement without government interference. That proposition also drew stern criticism from competitor Air Transat.

“The extension of such an extraordinary intervention would be an undeniable advantage to the detriment of other airlines in Canada,” Air Transat’s chief executive Annick Guerard said.





Source link

Posted in
Limousine
Related Posts
Limousine Comments are Closed

Plan the perfect NYC Memorial Day weekend

Pack only what you need and avoid overpacking to streamline the check-in and security screening…

News Comments are Closed

LA’s worst traffic areas and how to avoid them

Consider using alternative routes, such as Sepulveda Boulevard, which runs parallel to the 405 in…

Sweden eyes extra capabilities for incoming Gripen E fighter | News

The Swedish air force is exploring the future introduction of additional capabilities for its Saab…

UK government examining competitive implications of Boeing-Spirit deal | News

UK competition regulators are reviewing potential concerns posed by Boeing’s planned acquisition of supplier Spirit…

Saudi Arabia’s Aramco splashes out on C-27J firefighting assets | News

Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco is to acquire two Leonardo C-27J transports, for use in…

Adaptable wings take shape on Airbus Citation test aircraft

Airbus’s UpNext division has shown off the initial installation of the ‘eXtra Performance Wing’ on…

Eurodrone could gain new missions and additional partners, Airbus says | News

The four-nation Eurodrone programme is nearing its critical design review (CDR) activity, as discussions continue…

Terma highlights role of its PIDS+ pylon in protecting Ukraine’s F-16s | News

Terma used the Paris air show to highlight its role in helping to protect the…

France declares full operational capability for A400M fleet | News

The French air force has announced achieving full operational capability (FOC) status with its Airbus…

EASA and IATA seek ICAO advancement of plan to combat navigation interference

Increasing interference to navigation satellite systems has spurred the creation of a joint plan to…

GCAP partners name industry joint venture Edgewing | News

The industrial joint venture responsible for the design and development of a next-generation fighter through…

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published.