Canada: Disruptions to Air Canada flight operations possible as early as Sept. 15 unless labor dispute with pilots resolved

Disruptions to Air Canada (AC) operations are likely into late September if the ongoing labor dispute between the carrier and its pilots remains unresolved. Unless the two parties reach an agreement by Sept. 15, Air Canada may issue a lockout order enabling it to prepare in advance for an anticipated 72-hour strike by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) - the union representing the airline's pilots - which would probably begin early Sept. 18. Air Canada officials advise that, should such a work stoppage take place, the carrier's flight operations would likely not return to normal for 10 days. ALPA members are demanding higher salaries commensurate with those of their US counterparts.

Unless a lockout and strike are averted, significant delays and cancellations on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge (RV) could begin occurring as early as Sept. 15. Flights by Jazz Aviation (QK) and PAL Airlines (PB) would not be affected.