Air Canada pilots have backed a wage increase of nearly 42% over four years, in a vote that looks set to close a difficult chapter for the airline and avert potential strikes.
Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) confirmed on October 10, 2024, that pilots had “ratified a new four-year contract with significant improvements to compensation as well as improvements to quality of life”.
The vote result covers more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, although only 67% of the 99% of eligible pilots who cast ballots voted in favor of the agreement.
First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council, said: “This contract is the largest labor agreement in Air Canada’s history and reflects contributions that our pilots bring to the success of our airline. This agreement helps restore what Air Canada pilots have lost over the past two decades and creates a strong foundation from which to build on.”
Hudy added: “We look forward to working under these improved pay rates and working conditions while continuing to connect our passengers to Canada, North America, and the world.”
The Air Canada pilots have ratified the Tentative Agreement. Thank you to all the pilots who took the time to learn about the new agreement and cast their vote.#aircanadapilots #ALPA pic.twitter.com/Xkoln7PBpw
— Air Canada ALPA Pilots (@AirCanadaPilots) October 10, 2024
The contract goes into effect immediately, including a ratification payment to acknowledge that pilots have been without a collective agreement since September 30, 2023. The new agreement will expire on September 29, 2027.
According to The Canadian Press, on the basis that a pilot works a 75-hour week, newer recruits will earn between CA$75,700 ($55,000) and CA$134,000 ($97,000) and up to CA$187,000 ($136,000) in Year Five. An experienced captain flying a Boeing 777 could earn CA$367,000 ($267,000).
Commenting on the agreement, Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada said: “We are very pleased this new collective agreement has been approved by our pilot group. The agreement is mutually beneficial and it will keep our pilots the best compensated in Canada and provide the work-life balance improvements they were seeking. At the same time, the agreement gives our company flexibility and creates a framework for future growth of the airline and its network. We look forward to working with our pilots under this renewed partnership.”
