Air Canada Pilots Hold Informational Picket in Protest as Contract Expires
TORONTO—Air Canada pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), stood together, strong and unified, at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier today. Joined by pilots from several other airlines and supported by many, many more through messages shared online, the Air Canada pilots demonstrated their resolve and solidarity in achieving a world-class, industry-leading contract.
“In just a few short hours, our old and outdated contract expires, and I am so proud to see so many Air Canada pilots show up to demand a new agreement that reflects today’s world,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chair, during the event. “Air Canada has the opportunity now to make positive changes for pilots—for their career progression and job security, for aviation safety, and by closing the significant wage gap between the United States and Canada. If they don’t, we will all lose. Pilots will leave Canada, and Air Canada will no longer attract the best in the industry,” she added.
Pilot attraction and retention issues are real, and the impacts of pilot shortages are already affecting Air Canada’s operations. In August, the Company confirmed it will no longer offer nonstop flights from Calgary to Ottawa, Halifax, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Cancun, or Frankfurt. The Company needs to find a real solution to this issue; this can only be achieved by recognizing the Air Canada pilots’ professionalism and contributions. The pilots are proud of their profession and take the job of transporting passengers safely to their destinations very seriously. Air Canada pilots have invested in their airline—it’s time for the Company to invest in them.
In June 2023, the Air Canada MEC officially provided a notice to bargain to Air Canada management, with negotiations ongoing. Since then, the pilot Negotiating Committee has been working hard with management to secure the historic contract the pilot group deserves. The Company has a window of opportunity to attract future aviators, and help the airline achieve consistent and reliable service for customers, but the more time that passes without a competitive contract, the more opportunities for our talent to fly south.
View photos from the picket
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 75,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
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