Image: Celian Genier/Air Canada. Source: Air Canada
Air Canada today said that cargo operations are under threat as it is “finalising contingency plans to suspend most of its operations” in the face of possible industrial action.
The airline said that unless a pay agreement is reached with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union – representing more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, from September 15, operations could be impacted by a 72-hour strike or lock out notice and this would trigger the carrier’s three-day wind down plan, with flights progressively cancelled over three days.
“Cargo operations will also be affected. Each day, Air Canada Cargo carries in the belly holds of its aircraft and air freighters perishable or live commercial goods, components for manufacturers, and other time-sensitive items for Canadians. Already, the airline has begun limiting acceptance of some of these goods given average shipment timelines.”
The airline declined to further comment specifically on how the latest development may affect air cargo operations.
Preparations for potential pilot strike action have been underway for quite some time at Air Canada after talks over pay and conditions broke down at the end of August, after 15 months of discussions.
Air Canada Cargo said earlier this month that operations are not currently affected. However, the business said that to avoid any risk of disruption during the shipment process, it would implement new acceptance dates for specific commodities.
“Air Canada believes there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group, provided ALPA moderates its wage demands which far exceed average Canadian wage increases,” said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada.
“However, Canadians have recently seen the chaos abrupt airline shutdowns cause for travellers, which obliges us to do everything we can to protect our customers from an increasingly likely work stoppage. This includes the extremely difficult decision to begin an orderly shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge once a 72-hour strike or lock out notice is given, possibly as early as this Sunday.”
“We understand and apologize for the inconvenience this would cause our customers. However, a managed shutdown is the only responsible course available to us.”
Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge presently operate close to 670 daily flights on average.
In the event of a complete shutdown of operations, Air Canada estimated it would take up to 7 to 10 days to resume normal operations.
Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. However, these regional partners only carry about 20% of Air Canada’s daily customers, noted the airline.
Air Canada Cargo prepares for potential pilot strikes
