With a potential pilots’ strike looming as soon as Sept.17, Air Canada has waived change fees and fare differences for itineraries around that date. 

The three-week cooling off period between the Air Line Pilots Association and Air Canada, which is mandated by Canadian law, commenced on Aug. 27 and ends Sept. 17. It comes on the heels of pilots’ strike-authorizing vote on Aug. 22. The measure passed with 98% approval. 

Air Canada’s pilots are working under a labor contract negotiated in 2014. Negotiations for a new agreement began in June 2023, ALPA said. Private mediation lasted from January through June, when the union decided to walk away from the table.  

Air Canada said Tuesday that it intends to reach a negotiated settlement with its pilots.

“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 said. “Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period.”

Nevertheless, the airline said it recognizes that passengers want certainty. As a result, Air Canada customers with bookings for travel between Sept. 15 and Sept. 23 can rebook with the same origin and destination through Nov. 30 without change fees and without having to pay fare differences. Flyers can also rebook for flights after Nov. 30 free of a change fee but fare differences will apply. 

Air Canada customers can choose to cancel their flight and receive a flight credit. Refunds will only be provided to those who booked a refundable fare type.

Following the strike authorization vote last week, APLA said it is committed to avoiding a strike and is continuing to negotiate in good faith. But the union also noted that it is prepared for any outcome.  

“Air Canada management has the power — and the resources — to avoid a strike, flight disruptions and lasting damage to its brand. All they have to do is recognize the value of their employees,” said Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council. 

ALPA has also registered opposition to the Aug. 24 decision of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order striking freight train workers back on the job and to impose binding arbitration between the Teamsters union and Canada’s two largest freight railway companies, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. Union workers had begun striking on Aug. 22. 

The Teamsters are appealing the CIRB decision. 

“If and when the time comes, we expect the government to respect the collective-bargaining process and uphold the rights of Air Canada pilots,” ALPA Air Canada president Tim Perry said.