Six things to know about Air Canada’s potential pilots’ strike; airline needs to “get serious,” says union

The travel industry is on edge this week as Air Canada prepares for a potential shutdown of its operations next week as contract talks with its pilots' union stall. 

The airline's more than 5,200 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), overwhelmingly voted in favour of taking strike action last month, and yesterday (Sept. 9), the airline released contingency plans to suspend future flights.

In an early-morning press release, Air Canada said it remains “far apart” from the ALPA – and, by mid-day yesterday, that still seemed to be the case.

The ALPA later issued its own update, saying that it will prepare a strike headquarters in Toronto this week. The centre will ensure Air Canada’s pilots are “fully supported if a strike occurs or if Air Canada decides to shut down operations,” the ALPA wrote.

READ MORE: Air Canada preparing to suspend operations as union talks near impasse

Wages remain a key sticking point in the negotiations, which have been active for more than a year now. 

A potential disruption would also impact thousands of travellers – Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operate close to 670 daily flights (on average) and carry more than 110,000 passengers within Canada and internationally.

Airline needs to “get serious”

In a statement yesterday, the ALPA put the pressure on Air Canada, which, reportedly, has already offered its pilots a 30 per cent wage hike over the next three years. 

READ MORE: Navigating Air Canada’s potential strike has been “a complete nightmare,” says travel advisor

“Air Canada has the power to avert a strike and the significant air travel disruptions that flow from it, but first they have to get serious at the bargaining table and recognize the value our pilots bring to the airline,” said First Officer Charlene Hudy, Chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), in a statement.

Air Canada’s CEO Michael Rousseau said 80 per cent of Air Canada’s passengers could be affected by work stoppages.

In a statement Monday, the CEO said “there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group,” but he noted that the ALPA’s wage demands “far exceed average Canadian wage increases.”

How will a potential strike at Air Canada impact your client’s travel plans? Here are six things travel advisors (and travellers) should know.

1. Disruptions could begin as soon as this Friday

Air Canada says a 72-hour strike or lockout notice could be issued as early as Sunday, Sept. 15 – any time after 00:01 EDT. At that point, the airline would begin a three-day wind down plan. This will lead to an “orderly shutdown” of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

During this process, flights would be progressively cancelled over three days, with a complete shutdown as early as 00:01 EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 18, Air Canada says.

Some disruptions, however, could start as early as this Friday (September 13), including the cancellation of some holiday packages and the grounding of some aircraft, the airline says.

Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. But these partners only carry about 20 per cent of Air Canada's daily customers (many of whom usually connect on Air Canada flights).

2. Refunds will be issued if flights are cancelled

If a strike or lockout notice is issued and a flight is cancelled, Air Canada will notify the customers who chose to keep their booking. 

This group will be eligible for a full refund (refunds can be obtained online at www.aircanada.com or through the Air Canada mobile app).

3. Seats with other carriers will be “very limited”

Air Canada says it has been arranging options with other carriers to secure space for its customers if its network shuts down.

The airlines says customers will be notified by Air Canada, or their travel agency, if alternative flights come up.

However: “Seats on other carriers are expected to be very limited across all airlines,” Air Canada says, noting that refunds or a future travel credit, or agreeing to travel on Air Canada at a later date, “may be the only options.”

4. The goodwill policy will be extended if necessary

Since August 27, Air Canada has activated a goodwill policy, allowing customers with bookings on any fare type with travel between September 15 and 23, 2024, to make changes if they wish to at no cost or to receive a credit for future travel.

The policy will be extended beyond Sept. 23 if required, the airline says.

If a strike does occur, Air Canada says it will make every effort to resume normal operations as quickly as possible once a deal with its pilots is reached. But flights won't resume all at once. The airline says it will take up to seven to 10 days to restore its network to normal.

5. APPR compensation likely won’t be possible  

Air Canada passengers will receive refunds for cancelled flights, but they won't be entitled to any additional compensation under Canada's Airline Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

According to the current regulations, customers in Canada are not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels or other incidental expenses for situations outside the carrier's control, such as a work stoppage.

6. Cargo operations are also impacted

Air Canada’s cargo operations would also be affected by a work stoppage.

The airline says it has already begun limiting acceptance of some of these goods given average shipment timelines.

See Air Canada’s updated travel advice page here.

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