Air Canada Pilots Vote to Join Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Ahead of Negotiations

Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have completed their merger after an agreement in principle reached in March. Over 84% of eligible Air Canada pilots voted in favor of joining ALPA, making Air Canada the 40th pilot group to become a part of the world’s largest pilot union. The merger is effective immediately and significantly expands ALPA’s membership to over 73,000 pilots.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president, expressed excitement about the merger, stating that it marks a significant milestone in advancing the profession, ensuring flight safety, and promoting the power of unionism. With the combined union, ALPA gains greater strength in negotiating collective agreements, protecting pilots’ interests, and safeguarding labor rights.

As Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, Air Canada employs more than 4,500 pilots. The inclusion of Air Canada in ALPA means that 95% of all professional Canadian pilots are now part of the union. Other Canadian carriers, including Air Transat, Flair Airlines, and WestJet, are already ALPA members.

As the decade-long contract between Air Canada and its pilots nears expiration, negotiations are on the horizon. Following substantial pay increases for pilots in North America, Air Canada pilots are seeking historic gains that reflect their value and competitive standing in the industry. In a letter seen by Reuters, the Air Canada Pilots Association emphasized that their membership will not accept concessions and expects the next agreement to be groundbreaking in terms of benefits.

Pilots have until May 29th to decide whether to remain within the framework of the 2014 agreement or invoke an escape clause that would trigger full negotiations this summer. ACPA has expressed openness to staying within the existing framework if Air Canada presents a substantial proposal.

Air Canada recently released its first-quarter results, which showed double passenger revenues and significantly reduced losses compared to the previous year. These positive financial indicators set the stage for negotiations between Air Canada and its pilots.

ALPA, established in 1931, is now the largest pilot association globally, representing more than 73,000 pilots across 40 airlines in the United States and Canada. Capt. Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president, highlighted the commitment to advancing the profession and aviation safety. The inclusion of Air Canada pilots significantly strengthens ALPA’s presence and enhances its negotiating power both within the industry and on Capitol Hill.

Several pilot groups within ALPA have secured improved contracts in recent years due to the pilot shortage, which has increased the value of their services. Delta pilots, for example, approved a landmark four-year contract that includes significant pay increases of up to 34%, amounting to an estimated $7 billion. This agreement sets a benchmark for negotiations at other airlines.