Specter of Air Canada Pilot Strike | What to Know in Uncertain Times

In a sign that the threat of a strike by Air Canada pilots is worrying customers of the country’s largest airline, the company is starting to offer them options to reschedule their trips. In the event of a labour dispute, you have options, but don’t expect compensation.

What does Air Canada offer?

Given the uncertainty and the specter of a walkout that could occur as early as September 17, the country’s largest air carrier has implemented measures for its customers whose flights are scheduled between September 15 and 23. They will be able to postpone or cancel their trip.

Customers of the carrier can push back their departure date until Nov. 30 for a flight with the same origin and destination. Air Canada says they will not have to pay more and there will be no change fees.

“It costs the company a lot less because there is no reimbursement,” says Jacob Charbonneau, founder and CEO of Vol en tard. “It’s like a mutual agreement.”

You can also cancel your flight and get a travel credit. Refundable tickets can also be refunded. Finally, you can postpone your flight beyond November 30, an option where the traveler must cover the difference if the ticket price is higher.

The offer applies to all flights operated by Air Canada, its subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL Airlines as well as Air Canada Vacations.

What if there is a strike?

Like a snowstorm or a natural disaster, a labour dispute is considered a situation “beyond the control of an airline,” according to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

This means that a traveler is not eligible for compensation under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (RPPA). However, this does not relieve the airline of its responsibilities. It has the mandate to take you to your destination safely.

“The carrier has an obligation to find options within 48 hours [suivant le moment prévu du vol]said Mr. Charbonneau. This must be done with other carriers. If all this is not possible, then we are talking about a refund.

Expenses and losses

Delaying a flight can have serious consequences for a traveler. For example, arriving too late at your destination and missing your cruise. The Travel Agents’ Client Compensation Fund (FICAV) can come to your rescue. But you still need to have done business with a travel agency to plan your getaway.

“The first thing to do in this case is to contact your travel agency,” says Sylvie De Bellefeuille, a lawyer at Option consommateurs. “Otherwise, if you go on a cruise and you miss the boat, you lose that portion of the trip. You would then have to sue the airline.”

Generally, therefore, it is the traveler who must assume the bill for additional hotel nights and meals if he is traveling. There are, however, exceptions under the Montreal Convention when there is an international flight or an international segment.

There are more than 120 countries, including the United States, that have ratified the Montreal Convention.

The European exception

If something goes wrong in Europe, EU261/2004 could work in your favour. It considers that a flight cancelled due to a strike is the responsibility of an airline.

“We are talking about the same rules that apply [en matière de réacheminement et de remboursements]but in addition, we can seek compensation,” acknowledges Mr. Charbonneau.

Under the European framework, a traveller is eligible for compensation of 400 euros (CAD$605) if the delay is less than four hours. If the delays are longer, it is 600 euros (CAD$910).

Why a threat of strike?

Negotiations over pay and scheduling continue to falter between Air Canada and the International Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents more than 5,400 of the company’s pilots. Air Canada pilots are better paid than their Canadian counterparts, but they have an eye on what’s happening in the United States.

After the four largest U.S. carriers signed new contracts with their pilots over the past 18 months, some crew members are earning about double what their Air Canada counterparts do, ALPA says.

South of the border, airline pilots at companies like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines are getting raises of between 34% and 40%. In May 2023, WestJet pilots said yes to 24% pay increases over four years.

No indication has been given as to when a walkout might occur.

Be careful with insurance

Did your ticket purchase occur after Air Canada pilots decided to issue a strike mandate? If you have insurance, make sure this does not affect your coverage.

“Sometimes there can be changes if one has made an informed purchase. [comme le scénario d’une grève]Mr. Charbonneau points out. There may be certain clauses in the insurance contract that could be tightened up.”