Air Canada says it is finalizing contingency plans for possible strike action by its pilots that would affect roughly 80 per cent of its flights.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, the union representing Air Canada's pilots, can legally issue a 72-hour strike notice as early as Sept. 15.
Air Canada has proposed a 30 per cent wage increase for over 5,200 pilots over the next three years. However, the union has previously expressed it wants salaries commensurate with their U.S. counterparts.
While talks between the airline and the union continue, the parties "remain far apart," Air Canada said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 9.
Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said ALPA's wage demands "far exceed average Canadian wage increases" and a "managed shutdown" is the only "responsible" option available.
Citing the recent travel chaos incited by "abrupt" airline shutdowns, Rosseau noted that the airline will do everything possible to protect customers from an "increasingly likely work stoppage." This includes an orderly shutdown of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations once the strike or lock-out notice is given.
Air Canada pilots could issue a strike notice on Sept. 15
If an agreement isn't reached before Sept. 15, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock-out notice, triggering Air Canada's "three-day wind-down plan."
"We are publicizing our plans to give the more than 110,000 people who travel with us each day greater certainty and the opportunity to reduce the risk of being stranded by using our goodwill policy to change or defer imminent travel at no cost. We are also alerting the Government of Canada to the potential disruption's impact upon Canadians," Rousseau said.
During a possible strike, Air Canada Express flights will operate normally, as third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines provide these services. However, these regional partners only carry about 20 per cent of Air Canada's daily customers, many of whom ultimately connect on Air Canada flights.
Air Canada says it will notify customers of cancelled flights due to the strike. These travellers will be eligible for a full refund and can manage their bookings online or through the Air Canada mobile app.
The airline is also working with other airlines to secure space for customers affected by flight cancellations. Air Canada will notify customers about possible alternative options with other carriers. However, it warns space on these flights is "expected to be very limited." Instead, many customers may only be able to get a refund, accept future travel credit, or travel at a later date.
Air Canada advises customers with flights cancelled due to the strike against going to the airport without a confirmed booking for new flights. It notes that they should also use self-service tools as "contact centre wait times are expected to be highly elevated."
Air Canada has a flexible change policy for flights
On Aug. 27, Air Canada implemented flexible change policies for travellers who booked flights when its pilots may commence strike action.
Air Canada's Goodwill Rebooking Policy allows travellers flying in the period immediately preceding and after the end of the cooling-off period on Sept. 17 to change their already purchased travel plans for free.
The airline says it will expand the policy as warranted as the strike situation evolves.
Under Canada's Airline Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), customers are not eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, meals, hotels or other incidental expenses during labour disruptions.
Air Canada has a webpage dedicated to the pilot talks and other negotiations.
