Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have reached a tentative, four-year collective agreement.

In a statement Air Canada says the new agreement “recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada’s pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline.”

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 Air Canada’s board of directors.

Customers who used the airline’s labour disruption goodwill policy to change their flights originally scheduled from September 15 – 23, 2024, to another date before November 30, 2024, can change their booking back to their original flight in the same cabin at no cost, providing there is space available.

The ALPA, which represents more than 5,400 pilots at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, says that if ratified the tentative agreement will generate an approximate additional $1.9 billion of value for Air Canada pilots over the four years.

Ratification requires approval by a majority of the voting membership, who will soon receive the tentative agreement for review.

“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 MEC.

Hudy added: “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 This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, 10-year framework.”

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will continue to operate as normal; more information is at aircanada.com/action.

Says the airline: “Air Canada flights will be operating as scheduled, and we’re pleased to advise our valued customers that they can proceed with their travel as planned with the certainty that flights are operating normally.”

Source: Travelweek