Air Canada Pilots Agreement

Air Canada Pilots Reach New Collective Agreement

Air Canada announced on Wednesday that it has reached a new collective agreement with its pilots, ending months of negotiations and potential strikes. The deal was reached after 18 months of discussions, with both sides coming to an agreement on key issues such as wages, pensions, and working conditions.

The new agreement will run until April 2026 and includes an average annual wage increase of 2.5%, which will bring pilots` salaries in line with those of other North American airlines. The agreement also includes changes to the pension plan for new pilots, who will now receive a defined contribution plan instead of a defined benefit plan.

In addition, the agreement includes improved working conditions and scheduling arrangements, with pilots receiving more flexibility in their scheduling and reduced duty times. This will help to reduce pilot fatigue and improve safety standards.

Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu praised the new agreement as a “fair deal” for both sides, saying that it was a “win-win” for the company and its pilots. He also noted that the agreement will help Air Canada remain competitive in the global aviation industry, which is experiencing rapid growth.

The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) also expressed its satisfaction with the new agreement, saying that it represents a “significant achievement” for pilots. ACPA President Capt. Michael McKay noted that the agreement includes “important improvements to our working conditions, job security, and benefits.”

The new agreement comes after months of uncertainty for Air Canada and its pilots, who had been working without a contract since April 2019. The negotiations had been tense at times, with pilots threatening to strike and Air Canada taking legal action to prevent a walkout.

However, both sides ultimately came to an agreement that they say will benefit everyone involved. The new collective agreement for Air Canada pilots is a positive development for the company, its employees, and the entire Canadian aviation industry.