Air Canada pilots are hoping that Canada-wide picketing will help force airline management to propose a better contract offer.
Pilots lined up on the streets and sidewalks outside YYZ, YUL, YVR and YWG on 27AUG to vent their complaints about working conditions and to press for a new contract from Canada’s largest airline. Photographs posted online showed hundreds of pilots lined up in uniform with placards saying things like “Overworked and Undervalued,” and “20 Years Under Pay Cuts – Pay Back Your Pilots.”
In a post on his Twitter/X account, @YYZBound made the following comment: “I’m unable to join my @AirCanadaPilots colleagues on the picket lines in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Winnipeg. On September 17th I’ll have no other commitments - I’m #StrikeReady.”
“The Air Canada pilots have contributed to the success of the airline — now, as the federal conciliation period ends and the 21-day cooling-off period begins, it's time for the airline to invest in us.” Air Canada ALPA Pilots said on its Twitter/X account, @AirCanadaPilots.
The pilots’ account also posted the following note regarding picketing in Ottawa: “YUL pilots are united in pursuit of a world class contract. We’re dedicated to reaching an agreement, but Air Canada must meet our demands to prevent a strike.”
“With solidarity and determination, our pilots stand shoulder to shoulder, across the country, in unity to demand a contract Air Canada pilots deserve,” ALPA said.
“Our objective here is not to go on strike,” Jesse Jantzi, Air Canada MEC (Master Executive Council) Vice Chair, said in an interview with CBC television at YVR. “We don’t want to cancel flights. We take tremendous pride in getting our passengers to their destination day, 365 days a year.
“Air Canada has the ability to stop this,” he said. “They have the ability to prevent flight cancellations. They just have to finally come to the bargaining table and actually present an offer that reflects the value we bring to this airline.”
Writing on his Twitter/X account, @DavidWeaver, ALPA’s director of communications, posted a photo of ALPA President Captain Jason Ambrosi addressing what he said were 1,000 AC pilots at YYZ.
“This is what unity looks like, and it is this unity that will show @AirCanada management that you are serious about getting the world-class contract that you have earned.”
The @WestJetAlpaPilots group posted the following note on Twiter/X: "After receiving so much support from you…the Air Canada Pilots... During our own contract negotiations last year, I’m telling you that WestJet pilots now are returning the favour… We’re behind you 100%." - Capt. Bernard Lewall, WJA MEC Chair.”
With a potential strike less than three weeks away, Air Canada on 27AUG said it has recommitted to seeking a negotiated agreement with airline pilots. It also has introduced a flexible rebooking policy to ease potential customer concerns about a strike.
“During the talks, there has been significant progress, and the three-week cooling off period gives the parties more than sufficient time to address any outstanding issues,” Air Canada stated.
“Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period.”
Pilots could walk off the job as early as 17SEP after 98 per cent of union members voted in favour of giving their negotiating team a strike mandate.
Air Canada’s pilots would have to give 72 hours notice before beginning a strike action. ALPA has said a strike would ground roughly 1,000 flights and impact more than 120,000 pax each day.
