There are over 110,000 travelers who are unable to fly with their plans impacted due to the Air Canada strike. Many of them are already making backup plants and finding alternative ways to meet their travels.
Did They Reach an Agreement?
Air Canada passengers with plans to fly in the largest airline in Canada is finally relieved as they have reached an agreement. This agreement was reached with the Union that is representing over 5,400 pilots.
Although the terms of the deal are not disclosed, it will remain confidential. There is a ratification vote which is pending by the membership and over the next month is expected to be completed via the approval of the Air Canada board of directors.
The customers who regularly use the airline’s labour disruption goodwill policy are now expected to change their flights. This was initially scheduled between September 15 and September 23 to a later date prior to November.
Over the last year and throughout this year, Air Canada has been trying to bargain and reach an agreement with ALPA. According to the airline they have increased salaries more than 30 per cent in the last four years. It also comes with improvements and benefits. With such changes in place, the airline expressed that the union is not being flexible with wage demands.
A statement was released on Sunday by the ALPA pertaining to a tentative agreement. According to this agreement, an additional $1.9 billion of value will be given to the pilots for a course of four years.
Travelers and Cargo Affected
Due to the uncertainty of the situation, many travelers are left with no option. They are booking flights with a different airline. When it comes to the costs, per passenger it is costing them over $400. This is more than the initial Air Canada flight ticket.
The passengers are not offered any sort of compensation or support and they had to argue for a 15 per cent discount. This on-going dispute is also impacting cargo since Air Canada is not accepting certain cargo items. On the other hand, it is impacting sea food exports from Atlantic Canada to Europe and the United State. This is costing them a massive loss in tons of dollars.
Conclusion
If the situation is not neutralised the airline will be affected severely with a massive financial cost. Many passengers are disheartened by what is happening and has to find alternative ways to ensure their travels take place.
Key Points
- Air Canada reached a tentative agreement with the Union. It represents over 5,400 pilots, but the terms remain confidential until a ratification vote is completed.
- Travelers affected by the strike are now facing higher costs and limited compensation, with some opting for alternative airlines.
- The strike has disrupted cargo operations. This is affecting seafood exports from Atlantic Canada to Europe and the U.S., leading to significant financial losses.
