Air Canada, union head to key talks as strike looms: ‘Completely stalled’ – National

Air Canada and the union representing its pilots, the Air Line Pilots Affiliation (ALPA), are assembly this week in efforts to keep away from a strike after the union mentioned talks had “fully stalled” final week.

The stakes are excessive after the NDP pulled their help for the Liberals, elevating questions on what is going to occur if there’s a strike that leads to requires back-to-work laws and whether or not any potential makes an attempt to power staff again may lead to opposition events making an attempt non-confidence motions.

As the end result of talks taking place this week stays unsure, the pilots’ union says negotiations had stalled as of final week.

“Because of the confidential nature of negotiations, we can not remark [on] particular proposals which are being handed between the events on the negotiating desk,” First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA grasp government council, informed International Information in an announcement Thursday when requested if the airline had made any gives to the union.

1:45
Air Canada pilots vote for strike, may hit picket strains in September

Hudy added, “What we will say is that as of final week, talks had fully stalled. We’re assembly with the corporate this week and hope to see extra motion on the gadgets that stay.”

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Hudy didn’t share any additional particulars of gives from Air Canada however mentioned proportion will increase in wages would depend upon the seniority of the pilot. She mentioned this might imply that junior pilots would seemingly see the very best improve within the occasion of a deal being reached.

“They stay within the largest cities throughout Canada and at the moment make a wage that makes it very laborious to maintain a household,” Hudy mentioned.

“One quarter of our pilots have a second job, with virtually 80 per cent of these needing the job out of necessity. We try to vary that. Moreover, because of our newest 10-year contract, our compensation has not stored up with inflation, nor the degrees of our peer carriers.”

Air Canada didn’t reply to a request for remark from International Information.

Nonetheless, the airline had an announcement on its web site that learn, “Air Canada is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Affiliation (ALPA). At present, our operations usually are not affected, and our flights are working as scheduled.”

The airline famous some passengers can change their tickets and make “alternate journey preparations to your peace of thoughts” in the event that they bought tickets “no later than August 27, 2024, for journey between September 15 and September 23, 2024.”

Final week, Air Canada mentioned in an announcement that it was its intention to succeed in a negotiated settlement with the union.

The airline mentioned progress has been made in its negotiations and it hopes to succeed in a deal, nevertheless it nonetheless faces the potential for a strike by its 5,400 pilots as early as Sept. 17 when the union shall be in a strike place.

The Air Line Pilots Affiliation has not set a strike date, however the pilots have voted overwhelmingly to approve a strike mandate if an settlement on a brand new contract can’t be reached.

5:23
Air Canada strike looms—What it means to your journey plans

Underneath the airline’s coverage, prospects with tickets for journey between Sept. 15 and 23 can rebook on every other Air Canada flight with the identical origin and vacation spot as much as Nov. 30 at no further value. Clients who wish to cancel and rebook their journey for after that date can have their change charges waived however must pay any fare distinction.

Travellers with bookings in the course of the affected interval may additionally cancel their flight and obtain a credit score for future journey.

Refunds shall be out there for purchasers with refundable tickets, however Air Canada says refunds won’t be out there for these with non-refundable tickets because the flights are scheduled to function as regular.

The coverage applies to all Air Canada-operated flights, together with Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Specific flights operated by Jazz or PAL Airways, and Air Canada Holidays.

— with information from Canadian Press

&copy 2024 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.