Air Canada welcomes positive ratification vote by pilots, flight attendants next up

Air Canada pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, ratified a new four-year contract on Tuesday (Oct. 10), noting improvements to compensation as well as improvements to quality of life.

Of the 99 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots, 67 percent voted in favour of the agreement. 

“This contract is the largest labour agreement in Air Canada’s history and reflects contributions that our pilots bring to the success of our airline. 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,” stated First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC). 

“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." 

 Agreement effective immediately

The contract goes into effect immediately, including a ratification payment to acknowledge that pilots have been without a collective agreement since Sept. 30, 2023. The new agreement will expire September 29, 2027.

“With its ambitious growth plans, Air Canada management is demonstrating its commitment to the pilots through this investment, highlighting the importance of our role in the airline's continued success,” said Hudy.

Air Canada welcomes vote

In a statement, Air Canada welcomed the result of the vote, which douses strike fears. 

"We are very pleased this new collective agreement has been approved by our pilot group. 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. We look forward to working with our pilots under this renewed partnership," said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada.

The ALPA had been pushing to narrow the pay gap with pilots at other Canadian and U.S. airlines, as well as change schedules so that pilots could make more and spend more time at home.

The new agreement replaces one reached 10 years ago that provided raises of two per cent annually.

Flight attendants next

Next up to the bargaining table will be Air Canada's flight attendants, who have a contract coming up for negotiation next year.

Earlier this year, the Air Canada Component of CUPE, which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, took issue with the unpaid labour that flight attendants are required to do. 

“With our contract coming up for negotiation next year, Air Canada and its shareholders have an opportunity to correct this injustice and compensate flight attendants for all the work that they do. And we know from this annual report, that they have the money to do it," the union wrote in April on the heels of Air Canada releasing a successful financial report. 

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