Air Canada may experience operational disruptions starting this weekend, according to a warning from an aviation expert. This is due to escalating tensions between the airline and its unionized pilots.
John Gradek, an aviation expert and professor at McGill University, anticipates that there will be consequences as the airline’s pilots approach a potential strike :
A considerable amount of Air Canada flights are being canceled. Air Canada is unable to operate its mainline fleet.
The tension between the airline and the Air Canada Pilots Association dates back around ten years, following the signing of a contract. The union, which represents approximately 5,200 pilots, is advocating for wages comparable to those of pilots throughout North America.
Negotiations have been ongoing for over a year with a looming deadline of Sept. 18, after which both parties could potentially face a legal strike or work lockout. Nevertheless, discussions have reached an impasse.
Furthermore, Air Canada has stated that it will start to scale back its operations in anticipation of potential action. A * mandatory 72-hour notice could be issued as early as 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday.
Gradek warns that if the dispute leads to a halt in work, it will result in numerous customer difficulties. Indeed, Newfoundland and Labrador officials have expressed serious worries about the possible dispute, given that Air Canada is the island’s primary airline:
Nonetheless, Air Canada Express will continue to operate… and they have other local airlines that will still be serving Newfoundland
During the last Air Canada employee strike in 1998, approximately 60,000 passengers were affected during the day. Since then, the airline’s fleets and services have significantly expanded, and Gradek estimates that if there’s another strike, it could potentially disrupt around 123,000 customers daily.
Additionally, Gradek acknowledges that Newfoundland and Labrador pose unique travel challenges, but he emphasises the importance of honouring the employees’ right to strike and seeking equitable compensation through negotiations.
Compton, who is scheduled to fly out Monday, heading ultimately to Calgary said regarding the potential changes :
I examined the choices and I had to either reschedule for different dates or take a chance. So I’m taking my chances.
In summary, Air Canada is close to facing major issues as its pilots’ union tensions intensify, possibly leading to a strike that could impact more than 100,000 passengers every day. As the airline prepares for operational difficulties, fair negotiations are crucial in order to prevent widespread travel disruptions.
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