The employer added that terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership – expected to be completed over the next month – and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors.
Progress made ‘on several key issues,’ says union
While not providing specifics of the deal, ALPA did say that the agreement, if ratified, will generate an additional $1.9 billion of value for Air Canada pilots over the course of the agreement.
“While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract,” said First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).
“After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules. This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework.”
Before the agreement, Air Canada had started preparing to gradually suspend most of its operations starting as early as Sept. 15, 2024.