Air Canada pilots strike over pay disparity with Delta

Air Canada is preparing to suspend most of its operations due to ongoing negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) over wage disparities. The airline's pilots are advocating for pay increases to match their U.S. counterparts, particularly those at Delta Air Lines, where hourly rates can be as much as 45% higher. The situation has escalated as the airline faces potential disruptions affecting around 110,000 passengers daily if an agreement is not reached. The union representing over 5,200 pilots has expressed frustration with the airline's approach, urging Air Canada to engage in serious negotiations to remain competitive in the global market. The airline's CEO has indicated that while they believe a deal is possible, the union's wage demands are significantly above average Canadian increases, complicating the discussions. A mandated three-week cooling-off period began on August 27, preventing the union from striking during this time. However, the airline is already making contingency plans to accommodate passengers in the event of cancellations, anticipating that normal operations could take up to ten days to resume after a complete shutdown. The Canadian government has emphasized the importance of the collective bargaining process, urging both parties to reach a resolution. As the situation develops, the outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the airline industry in Canada and the livelihoods of its pilots.