Air Canada 777F. Copyright: Air Canada
Air Canada Cargo is bracing for potential pilot strike action later this month after talks over pay and conditions broke down at the end of August.
The Airline Pilots Association International (ALPA) union said that the conciliation period for talks between the airline and pilots expired on August 27.
There is now a 21-day cooling-off period before industrial action can be launched.
Air Canada Cargo said the recent developments may cause concern among customers but added that operations are not currently affected and are operating as normal.
However, to give peace of mind to customers with speciality cargo and avoid any risk of disruption during the shipment process, it will implement new acceptance dates for specific commodities.
This means that airline will accept no new bookings for its AC Animals, AC Horses and AC Compassion services after September 10 until further notice.
For its AC Absolute, AC Pharmacair, AC Fresh, AC Secure, AC Expedair and AC DGR there will be no new bookings after September 12 until further notice.
Meanwhile, the airline’s general cargo and e-commerce will continue with a standard 14-day booking window and standard acceptance times.
In August, Air Canada pilots voted in favour of a strike-authorisation ballot.
“It is nearly a year since our stale and outdated contract expired,” said Charlene Hudy, Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chair.
“We want to reach an agreement with Air Canada to avert a strike, and although we made some progress in conciliation, management continues to force us closer to a strike position by not listening to our most pressing needs at the negotiating table regarding fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements.”
Air Canada said there was still time to reach a deal with the union.
“Air Canada’s intention remains to reach a negotiated settlement with its pilots, one that recognises their professionalism and contributions to the airline,” the airline said in a press release.
“During the talks, there has been significant progress and the three-week cooling off period gives the parties more than sufficient time to address any outstanding issues. Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period.”
Reports suggest the airline has since offered pilots a 30% pay increase within the next three years.
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