On Tuesday, the federal labour minister expressed his optimism about avoiding a strike by Air Canada pilots through negotiations before it is scheduled to start next week. Steve MacKinnon, speaking to reporters outside the Liberal caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C., said that while some significant issues remain unresolved, progress has been made in talks between Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association union. Both sides had indicated that negotiations had slowed down in recent weeks.
MacKinnon stressed that there is no reason why these parties cannot reach a negotiated agreement. He urged them to work diligently to eliminate the uncertainty faced by Canadians regarding travel and economic concerns, and to focus on reaching a deal.
Air Canada announced on Monday that they are preparing to suspend operations ahead of a potential strike or lockout, which could commence as early as September 18. Without a settlement by Sunday, September 15, either the airline or the union could issue a 72-hour lockout or strike notice.
Flight cancellations may start as early as Friday if an agreement is not reached by then, according to the airline. Meanwhile, the Air Line Pilots Association mentioned that negotiations are progressing slowly and announced plans to open strike headquarters in Toronto in anticipation of a work stoppage.
MacKinnon did not indicate whether he planned to intervene in the dispute as he did in resolving a rail shutdown last month through binding arbitration and return-to-work orders. The government had previously made similar comments before intervening in a lockout notice issued to CN Rail and CPKC amid stalled negotiations with the rail workers’ union.
Ultimately, the rail shutdown lasted four days while the Canada Labour Relations Board considered and approved the government’s request. Air Canada warned that a work stoppage could impact 110,000 passengers daily as the Air Line Pilots Association considers a strike after pilots voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate if a new contract is not agreed upon.
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