Business Groups Request Binding Arbitration to End Air Canada Labour Dispute

Over 70 business groups have written a letter to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon asking him to stop Air Canada pilots from striking by imposing binding arbitration to bring the labour dispute to an end.
The groups, which include the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Food Producers of Canada, and Mining Association of Canada, said they have “deep concern” about the possibility of a strike by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), a union that represents 5,200 pilots.
ALPA has accused Air Canada of “taking shots at the professional pilots who safely transport their passengers” while giving pilots below-market compensation. Air Canada says the union’s wage demands “far exceed average Canadian wage increases.”
The business groups warn that a labour disruption would have “wide-reaching implications” on Canada’s economy, supply chains, and global reputation. In addition to interrupting travellers, the impact on Air Canada’s cargo network would harm Canada’s exports of medical supplies, agricultural products, and parts and machinery for Canadian manufacturers, they said.
“There is absolutely no reason these parties cannot come to a negotiated agreement, and my position is that they should do the work necessary to relieve Canadians of the considerable uncertainty that this causes,” he said.
MacKinnon did not say whether Ottawa would move to binding arbitration to end the dispute, saying the government has a “commitment to collective bargaining.”
Ahead of the rail strike last month, the government said it wanted the dispute to be resolved at the negotiation table and wouldn’t intervene. However, the government stepped in once a lock out was announced, and imposed binding arbitration to get trains moving again.
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez also told reporters on Sept. 11 that it’s “very important” that the two sides reach an agreement, as there are 90 destinations in Canada that are served only by Air Canada.
“They are at the table negotiating. It’s extremely important for our government and all Canadians that they reach an agreement.”
During a Sept. 11 press conference, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Air Canada to “negotiate in good faith” with the pilots. He also said there is pay disparity with American pilots, which he attributed to “government-caused inflation.”