Air cargo shipments will be halted on Sept. 19 at Air Canada if pilots follow through on a threat to strike without a new labor deal.
Air Canada
Updates as of September 14, 2024
Air Canada ‘disruptions have already begun’ ahead of strike notice deadline
The clock is ticking for Air Canada and its pilots to reach an agreement in their labour dispute ahead of a looming shutdown that could upend air travel for thousands of passengers.
Some disruptions have already begun as a midnight deadline is fast approaching for the national carrier and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents 5,200 Air Canada pilots.
Both sides remain far apart on negotiations and if a settlement is not reached by 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, either Air Canada or the ALPA could issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice.
Air Canada told Global News on Saturday that it remains “engaged with the union to reach a new collective agreement.”
However, in preparation for a shutdown, the airline has started to curtail its services.
“We have begun taking some measures, including limiting certain types of cargo shipments, such as perishables, and adjusting some aircraft flying schedules to have them positioned properly in event of a wind down,” Air Canada said in an emailed statement.
“Although our preparations for a possible suspension of operations continue, we have not yet cancelled any flights.”
Read more at an Article from Global News.
By: Saba Aziz, Global News
The airline on Monday said it is finalizing contingency plans for a phased shutdown of most operations.
Talks between the company and the Air Line Pilots Association, representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada (TSX: AC) and Air Canada Rouge, are stalled and the parties remain far apart on contract terms. Unless an agreement is reached by Sunday, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice, which would trigger the carrier’s three-day wind-down plan.
“Air Canada believes there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group, provided ALPA moderates its wage demands which far exceed average Canadian wage increases,” said CEO Michael Rousseau in a statement. “We understand and apologize for the inconvenience this would cause our customers. However, a managed shutdown is the only responsible course available to us.”
Air Canada said it is alerting travelers and shippers about the potential work stoppage so they can adjust plans as needed.
The airline, which operates six Boeing 767-300 converted freighter jets and manages shipments carried in the lower deck of passenger planes, last week said it would soon stop accepting some shipments to minimize potential disruptions. Bookings for live animals, horses and human remains must be made no later than Tuesday, Air Canada Cargo said. The airline said it won’t accept temperature-controlled, pharmaceutical, fresh food, high-value or dangerous goods, or domestic express parcels after Thursday.
Air Canada operates 252 aircraft in 47 countries, including 35 widebody and freighter flights to the United States each week. It began operating in early June a 767 freighter to Chicago O’Hare airport from Toronto three times per week. The other freighter destinations in the U.S. are Atlanta, Los Angeles and Miami.
Without a contract resolution, Air Canada plans to progressively cancel flights over three days leading to a complete shutdown as early as 12:01 a.m. ET next Wednesday. Some aircraft could be grounded as soon as this Friday. A gradual shutdown would allow the airline to reposition or repatriate aircraft and crews in an orderly fashion so that it can quickly restore regular service once the labor dispute is resolved.
Read more at an Article from FreightWaves/American Shipper stories.
By: Eric Kulisch, FreightWaves/American Shipper stories