Air Canada pilots strike begins, affecting thousands of travelers

Air Canada pilots are set to strike starting September 18, following 15 months of unsuccessful pay negotiations. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) claims that pilots are working under a decade-old contract, with their pay lagging behind inflation and industry standards. The airline's captains earned a minimum of C$215,075 last year, with some making significantly more, yet the union argues that this is insufficient given the rising cost of living. In preparation for the strike, Air Canada is bracing for a complete shutdown of its mainline operations and its lower-cost Rouge brand. The airline has warned that if a strike occurs, it will begin cancelling flights progressively over three days, with a total operational halt potentially starting at 12:01 AM EDT on September 18. This could displace crews globally and complicate the logistics of returning to normal operations. The union has established a Strike Centre in Toronto and has conducted demonstrations to emphasize their position. They are approaching negotiations with a collaborative mindset, but the establishment of the Strike Centre indicates a serious commitment to the strike if necessary. The airline has stated that it will notify passengers of any flight impacts in advance, but travelers may face additional complications, especially those flying from the UK or EU. Air Canada has cautioned that returning to normal operations could take several days, as many crews would be in transit while the airline attempts to restart services. The situation has prompted many prospective passengers to consider alternative carriers to ensure their travel plans remain intact amidst the uncertainty.