With a potential pilots' strike looming as early as September 17, Air Canada has announced a waiver on change fees and fare differences for travelers with itineraries around that date. This move comes as negotiations between the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the airline enter a critical three-week cooling-off period, mandated by Canadian law, which began on August 27 and ends on September 17.
The possibility of a strike follows an August 22 vote where 98% of Air Canada's pilots authorized strike action. The pilots have been working under a labor contract negotiated in 2014, and efforts to establish a new agreement commenced in June 2023. After private mediation efforts from January through June failed to produce a deal, the union stepped away from the negotiating table.
Air Canada expressed its intention to reach a settlement with its pilots, stating that significant progress has been made and that the cooling-off period should provide sufficient time to resolve any remaining issues. "Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period," the airline said in a statement. However, recognizing the uncertainty for passengers, the airline has offered flexibility for those with bookings between September 15 and September 23. Customers can rebook flights with the same origin and destination through November 30 without incurring change fees or fare differences. For flights rebooked after November 30, fare differences will apply, although change fees will still be waived. Additionally, customers can opt to cancel their flights for a credit, though refunds are only available for refundable fare types.
Despite the strike authorization, ALPA has emphasized its commitment to avoiding a strike and continues to negotiate in good faith. However, the union also indicated that it is prepared for all outcomes. "Air Canada management has the power—and the resources—to avoid a strike, flight disruptions, and lasting damage to its brand. All they have to do is recognize the value of their employees," stated Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council.
ALPA has also voiced its opposition to the Canada Industrial Relations Board's (CIRB) decision on August 24 to order striking freight train workers back to work and to impose binding arbitration between the Teamsters union and Canada's two largest freight railway companies. ALPA expects the government to respect the collective bargaining process for Air Canada's pilots if the situation escalates.
