Air Canada pilots have ratified a new four-year contract, saying they’ve secured “significant improvements” to compensation and quality of life.
Terms of the deal were not immediately released. Air Canada pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).
“This contract is the largest labour agreement in Air Canada’s history and reflects contributions that our pilots bring to the success of our airline,” said First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).
“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.”
Of the eligible pilots who cast ballots, 67 percent voted in favour of the agreement, ALPA said in a release.
The new contract goes into effect immediately, including an unquantified “ratification payment to acknowledge that pilots have been without a collective agreement since Sept. 30, 2023,” ALPA said.
In September, ALPA said its tentative deal with Air Canada would generate about $1.9 billion in additional value to its members. The new agreement is set to expire Sept. 29, 2027.
Pilots were seeking large wage increases, in line with counterparts at major U.S. airlines that secured major pay hikes over the last couple of years.
“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,” said Hudy.
“With its ambitious growth plans, Air Canada management is demonstrating its commitment to the pilots through this investment, highlighting the importance of our role in the airline’s continued success.”
Air Canada said it welcomed the deal, noting it covers more than 5,200 pilots at the main airline and its Air Canada Rouge subsidiary.
“We are very pleased this new collective agreement has been approved by our pilot group,” said Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada.
“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.”
