Air Canada Passengers Rush to Adjust Plans Amid Possible Labor Strike

Air Canada has warned that some of its operations are beginning to feel the impact as a potential shutdown looms due to an ongoing labor dispute with its pilots. While the airline confirmed no flights were canceled on Friday in anticipation of a strike, a spokesperson told CBC News, “At this point, we have not canceled any flights today due to the disruption. If any changes occur, customers will be notified.”

However, the spokesperson noted a few cancellations had taken place on Friday, though they were unrelated to the labor dispute, citing issues such as maintenance. Air Canada has also halted the acceptance of certain cargo items, including live animals and perishables. Vacation packages are expected to be affected starting Friday, with a full shutdown possible by Sept. 18.

On Thursday, the airline urged the federal government to be prepared to intervene, warning of the significant disruptions a shutdown could cause for its 110,000 daily passengers. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Friday that it is up to Air Canada and the pilots’ union to reach an agreement to avoid disrupting travelers and businesses.

Speaking at an event in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Trudeau emphasized that the government would not intervene directly, saying, “We’re not going to do that… We have and we will protect the Canadian economy. But first and foremost, the pressure needs to be on the unions and the employers.” He refrained from commenting on whether he would force pilots back to work in the event of a strike.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon echoed Trudeau’s sentiment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing that he had spoken with provincial counterparts, union leaders, and industry stakeholders, all of whom want Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) to reach a deal. “There’s no reason why these parties can’t get a deal done here,” MacKinnon wrote.

As of Sunday, both Air Canada and its pilots will be in a position to issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice, which would trigger a three-day wind-down plan and could lead to a full work stoppage. Air Canada has criticized the union for what it calls “unreasonable wage demands,” while the union has countered by accusing the airline of corporate greed, pointing to record profits while pilots face below-market compensation.