As Air Canada’s pilots approach a possible strike, it appears the feds are hesitant to intervene.
Reuters reports that according to its source, “the government is reluctant to force pilots back to work if they strike.”
This comes after Ottawa recently stepped in to end a work stoppage at CN and CPKC rail.
Airline Pilots Association Canada president Capt. Tim Perry issued a statement August 23rd in response to the government’s intervention in the shutdown.
Perry said, “The government’s decision to intervene in the labour dispute between CN/CPKC and rail workers, represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (Teamsters), less than 24 hours after the lock out began is truly disappointing.”
He said, “The Canada Labour Code strives for balance in collective bargaining, and this action by the government of Canada amounts to putting its finger on the scales. ALPA Canada believes it is always in the best interests of both sides to negotiate contracts in good faith at the negotiating table while being allowed to utilize all the functions available under the Canadian Labour Code, including strike and lockout provisions.”
The airline’s more than 5,000 pilots could strike as early as September 17th. The dispute is over wages.
Last week, the company said there has been significant progress in negotiations and they hope to reach a deal.
Air Canada also said it is offering a goodwill policy.
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