Air Canada says some flights could be cancelled before the weekend, especially long-haul routes, as Air Canada deals with a potential pilot’s strike.
Air Canada on 09SEP said it might have to begin an “orderly shutdown” of operations on Sunday 15SEP because an AC pilot strike seems “increasingly likely.”
Spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick told Open Jaw that things are very fluid, and there’s no guarantee a strike or lockout will occur. The soonest a strike or lockout notice could be issued is 15SEP, he said.
Fitzpatrick said the airline is still finalizing its shutdown plan, and that no decisions on cancellations are ready to be announced.
“However, in some cases, for example, flights to sun destinations where we only operate once or twice a week, it may be necessary to cancel the customer's trip earlier than the notice date to avoid stranding people. If this occurs, customers will be notified in advance and provided options. Similarly, some aircraft are scheduled for maintenance at particular bases, in which case we might have to stop flying them early to ensure they are at the proper location rather than parked elsewhere in the event of disruption.”
Several published reports refer to holiday packages being impacted, which could be critical information for agents with clients on Air Canada Vacations holidays.
Fitzpatrick said Air Canada Cargo has notified shippers that, starting in the next few days, they will temporarily not accept certain items, such as live animals or perishables.
“As you can appreciate, timelines are not firm, but we are determined to give people as much advance notice as possible of any changes.”
“It is not possible to give details of our plan, as it is still being finalized,” Fitzpatrick said in response to an Open Jaw email. “However, you are correct that generally long haul, international flights would be impacted first because of the flying time required for them to complete their mission and return home. But the pace of the wind down is not fully determined yet.”
United Airlines has warned its customers their travel to or from the nine major Canadian airports might be disrupted between 15SEP and 23SEP.
“You can reschedule your trip and we’ll waive change fees and fare differences,” United said. The airline said new flights must be United flights departing before 15OCT and must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as the original ticket.
A shutdown of Air Canada would no doubt result in travel chaos for passengers in Canada and around the world. Air Canada has said it could take seven to 10 days for normal operations to resume if and when a complete shutdown takes place.
Robert Kokonis, president of AirTrav Inc., told Open Jaw he’s optimistic a deal can be reached.
“The company has to make advance plans for an orderly shutdown, and that action by itself will put pressure on the pilots.”
“If the orderly shutdown process starts this Sunday, but a strike cannot happen until midnight the 17th, it will still be a giant mess from the 15th to the 17th.”
ALPA says a strike could begin just after midnight ET on 18SEP, which would be 17SEP in western time zones.
ALPA officials were quick to denounce Air Canada’s shutdown plan.
"Air Canada should stop threatening to disrupt air travel and come to the bargaining table with serious proposals to keep the flagship Canadian carrier competitive in the global aviation market," said First Officer Charlene Hudy, Air Canada Master Executive Council (MEC) Chair, ALPA. "Air Canada continues to post record profits – and reward its executives handsomely – while expecting pilots to accept below market compensation.
There were reports last week Air Canada had offered pilots a 30% pay hike, given that ALPA has complained some U.S. pilots earn double what AC pilots are paid.
Canadian Press is reporting that pilots are asking for a pay raise between 30% and 60%.
WHO’S GOT THE POWER?
One source with intimate knowledge of the Canadian aviation industry told Open Jaw that Air Canada may play other angles.
“They may offer incremental pay increases or improved benefits to address some concerns without immediately matching the salaries of US carriers. By presenting data showing their pilot compensation already meets or exceeds Canadian industry standards, the airline would argue that matching U.S. pilot wages is not a practical comparison due to differences in market condition,” the source said.
“Air Canada could emphasize other non-monetary benefits, such as work-life balance, job security, and professional growth opportunities, to counter the wage gap argument. They may also announce enhancements to working conditions or schedule flexibility to appeal to the workforce.
“Ultimately, Air Canada will likely push for a solution that delays immediate salary increases, opting for a phased pay raise over multiple years. If the company successfully negotiates with ALPA while maintaining operational flexibility, it can avoid a strike.”
The source said pilots also have several courses of action they could take.
“Air Canada pilots will use a mix of negotiations, work slowdowns, public campaigning, and potential strike threats to achieve their goal of higher pay and improved conditions, leveraging their critical role in the airline's operations to strengthen their position. Pilots will likely continue citing comparisons to higher-paid pilots in the U.S., particularly at major airlines like Delta, American, and United.
“Before resorting to a full strike, pilots might initiate a work-to-rule or slowdown tactic, where they strictly adhere to regulations and safety protocols without flexibility. This could lead to flight delays and operational inefficiencies without technically violating their employment contracts.
“Or they may choose to engage in targeted strikes, focusing on specific regions or periods (e.g., holiday travel peaks) to maximize disruption while minimizing the financial hardship on the pilots themselves.
“If all other tactics fail, pilots may choose to strike. This would be a last-resort option, however, it could be an effective way to force Air Canada back to the bargaining table.”
DIVINE INTERVENTION?
In 2012, then Prime Minister Stephen Harper intervened when it looked like AC pilots might strike. Reuters last week reported that the Trudeau government is reluctant to get involved.
“If a strike happens I do not see Trudeau intervening like he did in the rail strike,” Kokonis said. “There are other options in the airways – WestJet, Porter, Flair, and regional air carriers. Plus a bit of rail and bus, and private cars.”
"Our government firmly believes in the collective bargaining process and Canadians are counting on the parties to get a deal," Canadian Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a statement issued 09SEP.
MacKinnon’s statement, however, contains some wriggle room. He says the government believes in collective bargaining, but he didn’t specifically rule out an intervention; something that would anger pilots and other unions, but might make Trudeau a winner in the eyes of the travelling public.
CUSTOMER CARE
All customers whose flights are cancelled by Air Canada will be notified and will be eligible for a full refund, which can be obtained online at www.aircanada.com or through the Air Canada mobile app.
The airline has also been arranging with other airlines to secure space for customers who will be notified by Air Canada or their travel agency if options for travel on another carrier are identified.
Air Canada: “Unfortunately, seats on other carriers are expected to be very limited across all airlines, and refunds accepting a future travel credit or agreeing to travel on Air Canada at a later date may be the only options available.”
Since 27AUG, Air Canada has had a goodwill policy in place allowing customers holding bookings on any fare type with travel between 15SEP and 23SEP, 2024, to make changes at no cost or to receive a credit for future travel. AC has said the policy will be expanded as warranted.
“Under Canada's Airline Passenger Protection Regulations, customers in Canada are not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels, or other incidental expenses caused by situations outside the carrier's control, such as a labour disruption,” AC officials said on 09SEP. “Air Canada will always inform passengers of their rights under applicable rules if their flight is cancelled or delayed.
“Customers with bookings whose flights are cancelled in the event of a labour disruption are strongly advised against going to the airport without a confirmed booking for a new flight (check your flight's status on www.aircanada.com before going to the airport). Customers are also advised to use self-service tools as contact centre wait times are expected to be highly elevated.”
