Air Canada and ALPA agree tentative deal to end strike

Air Canada says it has reached a tentative agreement with pilots union Air Line Pilots  Association (ALPA), which the company has agreed to most of the demands from more than 5000 pilots. The agreement will mean an extra $1.9 billion for pilots over the course of the four-year deal.  

The airline said "The new agreement recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada's pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline. Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors."

If the deal is approved, there will be a massive reduction in the number of new routes the carrier was expected to launch for summer 2025 and winter 25/26.  

First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA MEC said: "While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract.

After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules. This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework."

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