Air Canada Averts Possible Strike with Tentative Deal

Air Canada ticket holders have a reason to celebrate as the airline's potential strike or lockout has been averted through a tentative agreement reached between Air Canada and the airline pilots' union. The agreement comes after tense negotiations that had put thousands of travelers at risk of flight cancellations. The deal was finalized just as both parties were preparing to issue a 72-hour strike notice, prompting immediate concerns for travelers. In a statement, Air Canada recognized the professionalism of its pilots while noting that the terms of the four-year deal remain confidential and are pending ratification by the pilots' union, which represents over 5,200 pilots. The union's chair highlighted the significant progress made on critical issues, including compensation and work rules, noting that the deal is expected to generate around $1.9 billion in additional value for pilots. Minister of Labor Stephen McKinnon praised the agreement, advocating that negotiated settlements are preferable over government intervention, which had been a concern earlier. Current travelers can breathe easily as flights will operate normally in the interim, as ratification of the deal is expected over the next month, with the hope that pilots will accept the new terms. Air Canada has assured customers they can rebook flights if needed, which mitigates travel anxiety amid the negotiations.