Tentative deal averts Air Canada pilots’ strike

Air Canada narrowly averted a pilots' strike on Saturday. The airline and the Air Line Pilots Association announced a tentative deal for wage increases of about 42% over four years, preventing the issuance of a strike notice on Sunday.

The deal appears to align with union demands, although there have been indications of dissatisfaction among some pilots. Air Canada pilot group forums representing senior pilots have been conducting straw polls, which, while not scientific, seem to be overwhelmingly against accepting the offer.

The 5,200 pilots will vote over the next month on whether to accept the deal. In addition to the wage offer, Air Canada enhanced its offers for retirement and work rules, clinching the agreement. The airline was set to start canceling flights Sunday in preparation for a full shutdown on Wednesday; however, there was no disruption to the schedule. The airline operates 670 flights daily.