In Ottawa, Canada’s largest airline is facing labor disputes with its pilots, prompting business leaders and the airline to call on the federal government for intervention to prevent a potential shutdown. Air Canada’s spokesman mentioned the airline’s commitment to negotiations but stated that the Air Line Pilots Association is making unreasonable wage demands that cannot be met.
The union, representing 5,200 pilots, argues that despite Air Canada’s record profits, the pilots are being offered below-market compensation. Negotiations between the airline and pilots have been ongoing for over a year, with the pilots seeking wages on par with their U.S. counterparts.
If an agreement is not reached, both parties could issue a 72-hour notice of a strike or lockout, potentially leading to a full work stoppage as early as September 18. While Air Canada is not seeking immediate government intervention, they emphasize the need for measures to prevent major disruptions that could impact over 110,000 daily passengers.
Various business groups gathered in Ottawa to advocate for actions like binding arbitration to avoid the economic fallout from an airline shutdown. President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Candace Laing, highlighted that arbitration could facilitate a resolution and prevent adverse effects on the economy.
Business Council of Canada CEO, Goldy Hyder, warned of the widespread economic repercussions of a labor disruption at Air Canada, stating that it would ripple through the entire economy. Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon urged both parties to prioritize reaching a collective agreement, emphasizing the need for a deal without the necessity of government intervention.
Despite previous instances of back-to-work orders in Canada, including in a railway shutdown in August, MacKinnon mentioned differences in the current situation and refrained from further comments. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh opposed the idea of forcing pilots back to work through legislation, asserting the party’s stance against such measures.
