Air Canada pilots vote in favour of new contract, eliminating risk of strike
Pilots voted to ratify a deal which will see pilots receive a nearly 42 per cent wage hike over four years
Air Canada pilots have given a green light to a tentative agreement with the airline, dashing any fears of a future strike and allowing management and passengers to breathe easier.
The deal, which grants the carrier's 5,400 pilots a cumulative wage hike of nearly 42 per cent over four years, received 67 per cent votes in favour, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents the workers.
The increase outstrips major gains won last year by pilots at the three biggest U.S. airlines, where pay bumps ranged between 34 and 40 per cent — though they started from a higher baseline.
Despite the big top-line figure, that roughly one-third of Air Canada pilots voted to reject the agreement reveals ongoing divides over issues such as scheduling, quality of life and a large pay gap between newer employees and more experienced flight crews.
Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council, called the contract the "largest labour agreement in Air Canada's history," in a statement Thursday.
"This agreement helps restore what Air Canada pilots have lost over the past two decades and creates a strong foundation from which to build on," Hudy said. "We look forward to working under these improved pay rates and working conditions while continuing to connect our passengers to Canada, North America, and the world."
Air Canada also welcomed the thumbs-up from pilots.
"The agreement is mutually beneficial and it will keep our pilots the best compensated in Canada and provide the work-life balance improvements they were seeking. At the same time, the agreement gives our company flexibility and creates a framework for future growth of the airline and its network," said chief executive Michael Rousseau in a release.
Contract averts strike
The tentative contract, hammered out in mid-September after more than a year of negotiations, averted a strike that would have seen some 670 flight cancellations and 110,000 passengers affected daily.
Over the past few weeks, the union held road shows to pitch the would-be deal to members amid criticism for the tentative agreement.
One committee member in the local quit his post, citing a "fundamental disagreement" with the direction taken by the union in presenting the agreement to members, according to resignation letter seen by Reuters.
Hudy warned her colleagues in a virtual town hall last month that she would step down if they opted to reject the agreement, raising the stakes as aviators mulled whether to accept the salary gains or try to drive an even harder bargain.
About 99 per cent of eligible pilots cast ballots in the ratification vote, the union said.
The contract goes into effect immediately and expires on Sept. 29, 2027.
We welcome the ratification vote by pilots on a new 4-year collective agreement. The agreement recognizes the pilot contributions and sets foundation for airline’s growth. <a href="https://t.co/0zSCJG1Z4y">pic.twitter.com/0zSCJG1Z4y</a>
—@AirCanadaWith files from Reuters and CBC News