ACTA calls on feds to help Air Canada resolve possible strike, prevent disruptions

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors issued a statement on Wednesday (Sept. 4), urging Ottawa to engage promptly in facilitating a resolution to the possible pilots strike at Air Canada. 

Air Canada transports up to 120,000 passengers each day, ACTA pointed out in a press release. 

“If its planes are grounded, the repercussions on the travel industry would be devastating, with Canadian consumers, employees, and businesses across the nation also feeling the effects,” ACTA said.

Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, noted that members are fielding calls from people across the country and throughout the world concerned about potential disruptions to their long-awaited travel plans and critical business trips.

“This uncertainty alone threatens our industry's long-term growth,” Paradis stated. “We urge the federal government to take swift action in support of a resolution that will safeguard travel plans and protect our sector's stability.”

ACTA noted that it represents small to large-sized businesses across the country.

“For these businesses, a labour disruption at Air Canada would mean significant financial strain and uncertainty, threatening their ability to operate effectively and meet their clients' needs,” the association said. “It is essential that there be no disruption, as these businesses rely on a stable travel environment to thrive and ensure that Canadians can travel safely and with confidence.”

Pay boost offered

Air Canada has offered its more than 5,000 pilots a pay boost of about 30 per cent over the next three years as a potential strike inches closer, BNN Bloomberg is reporting.

According to the Sept. 4 story, Air Canada pilots would receive a minimum 20 per cent increase initially, followed by annual increases spread across over a three-year period.

Air Canada’s offer reportedly also includes enhancements to pension and health benefits. 

F/O Charlene Hudy, chair of ALPA’s Air Canada Master Executive Council, hasn’t commented on the specifics of the proposal that was reported yesterday. But entry-level wages are sticking points, she said.

“One-quarter of our pilots have a second job, with almost 80 per cent of those needing the job out of necessity,” Hudy told BNN. “We are trying to change that.”

A meeting between Air Canada and the ALPA is expected later this week.

Air Canada and the ALPA have been in talks for more than a year. The last contract, which was ratified in 2014, provided pay boost of about two per cent annually. The pilots haven’t received a raise since last year.

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