Sask. airports prepare for possible Air Canada strike

A fight between Air Canada and its pilot’s union could have some serious affects on travellers in Saskatchewan.

Operations such as cargo and vacation packages began to be affected by the dispute yesterday and could become more significant in the coming days.

After more than 14 months of negotiations, the airline as well as pilots will be in a position tomorrow to issue a 72-hour notice of a strike or lockout. A full shutdown could begin as soon as Sept. 18.

The airline, which carries more than 100,000 passengers daily, has said that within those 72 hours, crews would begin a wind-down plan before entering a full work stoppage.

We don’t want to strike, but we are ready if necessary. Air Canada pilots need an updated contract that reflects the value we bring to our employer, every day. #StrikeReady #AirCanadaPilots pic.twitter.com/UXCkzpBuWE

— Air Canada ALPA Pilots (@AirCanadaPilots) September 13, 2024

In Saskatchewan, airports are preparing for the possible storm.

President and CEO of Regina Airport Authority James Bogusz said that if a strike takes place, it could have a significant impact on Saskatchewan travel.

“Air Canada is a big carrier for Saskatchewan. In Regina, it represents more than 35 per cent of our total seat capacity. These are the flights to Toronto, which we have three times a day, and the flights to Vancouver, which we also have three times a day,” said Bogusz.

Flights to Toronto would be affected in the early hours of the strike, but it is yet to be determined if flights to Vancouver from Saskatchewan would be affected in the same way.

Bogusz said that in the event of a strike, Regina’s airport would provide as much information to passengers as possible.

“We are the facility operator. We don’t operate aircraft. Our company that operates the Regina airport can’t accommodate passengers onto new planes, that’s for the airlines to do, but what we can do is provide information.

“If there is a labour disruption, we’ll be very proactive with our media partners to advise on our social channels what we know; we’ll also ensure that we provide links to Air Canada’s website to get people the information that they’re going to need,” said Bogusz.

Air Canada Urges Federal Government to Direct Arbitration to Avert Disruption for Travellers: https://t.co/s3ifp3BGKT
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Air Canada exhorte le gouvernement fédéral à imposer un arbitrage pour éviter de bouleverser les plans des voyageurs : https://t.co/OhL8w6MGSz pic.twitter.com/kF1XTLSmad

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) September 12, 2024

In Regina, strike action could affect around 1000 passengers each day.

Air Canada is offering travellers scheduled to fly between Sunday and Sept. 23 to change their flight with no charge.

“Recognizing that they may need to make proactive changes or cancellations to flights, Air Canada has instituted a new policy for customers with tickets for travel between Sept. 15 and Sept. 23, where customers will be able to change their flights for free,” a statement from Saskatoon Airport said.

All travellers should check the status of their flights with the airline prior to coming to arrive at the airport. Air Canada’s website took several minutes to load on Saturday.

“Rest assured that we will notify you of any impact to your flight itinerary in advance of your travel,” the airline said on its website.

“If you purchased your ticket with Air Canada Vacations, a travel agent or an online travel agency and you don’t have access to our self-serve options, please reach out to them directly. Additionally, you can contact us anytime for assistance at 1-888-247-2262,” Air Canada said.

“If you’re travelling on an Aeroplan flight reward, call 1-800-361-5373. Note that wait times may be longer than expected as we work to assist our customers. If you’re calling from outside Canada or the U.S., please consult our international directory for assistance from your area.”

The airline also provided a link to “the latest updates on contract negotiations,” but the most recent entry was from Sept. 12.

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Air Canada pilots hold signs during an informational picket at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Aug. 27, 2024. Labour talks between Air Canada and its pilots are approaching a midnight deadline when either side could trigger the start of a shutdown for Canada’s largest airline.(DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press)

Pay a sticking point in dispute

In the days leading up to the deadline, the two sides have said they remain far apart on the central question of pay.

The Air Line Pilots Association union, representing more than 5,200 pilots, has said it is corporate greed that’s holding up talks, as Air Canada continues to post record profits while expecting pilots to accept below-market compensation.

The airline has said the union is being inflexible with “unreasonable wage demands,” prompting it to call for the government to be ready to intervene.

ALPA Canada president Capt. Tim Perry issued a statement on Friday asking the federal government to respect workers’ collective bargaining rights and refrain from intervening in the bargaining process. He says government intervention violates the constitutional rights and freedoms of Canadians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau however has emphasized that it’s up to the two sides to figure out a deal.

Speaking Friday, Trudeau said the government isn’t just going to step in and fix the issue, something it did promptly after both of Canada’s major railways saw lockouts in August and during a strike by WestJet mechanics on the Canada Day long weekend.

He said the government respects the right to strike and will only intervene if it becomes clear no negotiated agreement is possible.

Numerous business groups have called on the government to intervene to protect the business and travellers.

— With Canadian Press files

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