Air Canada Plans to Cancel Flights as Pilot Strike Looms

Air Canada is preparing to suspend flights starting September 15 if a new contract with the union representing over 5,000 pilots is not finalized. 

The airline and the union remain far from reaching an agreement after more than a year of discussions, increasing the likelihood of a work stoppage.

As of Sunday, pilots will have the legal right to issue a 72-hour strike notice, which puts pressure on the airline to settle the negotiations. If a deal is not reached, Air Canada may also initiate a lockout, halting operations across its network.

The planned disruption would result in a gradual reduction of flights over three days, with all flights expected to cease by September 18. With Air Canada serving over 110,000 passengers daily, the impact of flight cancellations could cause significant travel disruptions across North America and beyond.

In preparation for the potential strike, Air Canada has implemented a rebooking policy for travelers scheduled between September 15 and 23. Despite efforts to reach a deal, the airline remains firm on its stance, expressing concerns over the demands made by the pilots' union, particularly regarding wage increases.

Recent reports indicate that Air Canada proposed a 30% pay raise over the next three years, which includes an immediate minimum increase of 20%. However, pilots have not seen any salary adjustments since last year, leading to dissatisfaction and tension within the workforce.

With negotiations stalled and the possibility of flight cancellations on the horizon, travelers are being advised to stay updated on developments and explore alternative travel options to avoid disruptions.