ACPA News

“ALPA and ACPA pilot leaders met this week for an initial discussion about a potential merger and the benefits of being stronger together. Unions are at their best when they speak with one voice, and ALPA and ACPA are committed to exploring ways to advance the piloting profession and aviation safety in Canada and the United States. It’s still early in the process, and any decision on whether to formalize a partnership would ultimately rest with the pilots and their elected leaders at each union.”

In Winnipeg recently, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada received into its collection CF-TCC – a Lockheed Electra L10A – one of the original three Lockheed aircraft that Trans Canada Airlines purchased in 1937. ACPA’s CEO, Rob Giguere, took part in the handover, representing pilots past, present and future...

One year after the federal government instituted its first COVID-19 related travel restrictions -- which kicked off a precipitous drop in airline revenues -- workers in the aviation industry have borne the brunt of the economic pain.

ACPA joined the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) and other unions in issuing a press release urging the federal government to consult with our industry prior to introducing new measures.

Today, Canadian union leaders representing more than 310,000 Canadian workers are calling on the Trudeau government to take urgent, concrete steps to prevent permanent, long-lasting damage to the aviation sector by providing direct support...

Congratulations to retired ACPA member, Captain Judy Cameron, on the recent scholarship named in her honour. Captain Cameron was Air Canada’s first female pilot. The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship supports young women in pursuit of careers in aviation who may not have the means to do so…

As you may be aware, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau today announced Fatigue Regulations in Canada Gazette II. Read more on the latest developments on this file...

CBC News...

Global News reports a day after the NTSB released its findings regarding Air Canada flight 759.

CTV National News interviews ACPA MEC Chair, Captain Matt Hogan, on fatigue issues facing Canadian pilots.

The Toronto Star reports on the fatigue factor following the National Transportation Safety Board's report on the AC759 near-miss in San Francisco.

CEO Milt Isaacs advocates for changes to draft regulations surrounding flight and duty times on CBC’s The National on May 22, 2018.

The head of the Air Canada Pilots Association wants Ottawa to put handheld lasers on its list of prohibited weapons.

"Major airlines like Air Canada have in place collective agreements that already impose limits on how their flight crews can be on duty. As a result, the new Transport Canada rules would hit smaller carriers."

It’s been nearly 20 years since fatigue regulations governing pilots and crew members in Canada have been updated.

Canada's largest pilots group says the federal government is lagging behind in updating regulations aimed at reducing pilot fatigue.

"On CTV’s Canada AM, ACPA MEC Chair Captain Geoff Wall explains that Canada’s pilot fatigue regulations lag behind the rest of the world and need to be updated to protect the safety of airline passengers."

"A former executive at Frontier Airlines Inc. is proposing to launch an ultra-low-cost carrier in Canada, saying NewLeaf Travel Co. Inc. will focus on Hamilton and Abbotsford, B.C."

Toronto-The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today issued the following statement by ACPA President Captain Ian Smith in response to changes in safety procedures at Air Canada

Air Canada has reached a tentative agreement with its pilots that will provide labour peace for 10 years and increase the airline’s flexibility amid stiffer competition from WestJet Airlines Ltd. and potential new entrants to the Canadian market.

"MONTREAL -- Air Canada reached an early and unprecedented 10-year tentative agreement Monday with the union representing 3,000 of its pilots."

"TORONTO –A new agreement has been reached between Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) establishing compensation, benefits and other work rules until September 2024, which must be ratified by a majority vote of ACPA’s 3,000 members."

MONTREAL -- Air Canada is moving to begin contract negotiations with its pilots union early in hopes of avoiding the acrimony that marked the last round talks that ended up being eventually settled by a federal arbitrator.

"OTTAWA—Canada’s airlines and aviation organizations are pressing Ottawa to make shining a laser at an aircraft a criminal offence, warning that the threat is “too great to ignore.”"

"Lorsque l’entreprise de commerce électronique Amazon a annoncé en décembre dernier son intention de livrer des colis légers par drone, certains ont cru à une blague."

Shine a laser at your cat and you’ll be in for hours of fun. But point it at an airplane and you could end up in jail.

"A blinding laser was repeatedly fired at the pilots of a Ornge medical helicopter in the night sky over Ottawa, Transport Canada reports."

"Le principal ennemi des pilotes, c'est la fatigue."

"Une fois sa formation terminée, un jeune pilote doit accumuler au moins 250 heures de vol pour passer chez un transporteur aérien. En pratique, cependant, il faut plutôt viser 1500 heures."

"AgrandirPhotothèque Le SoleilChaque année, Sunwing et, dans une moindre mesure, Canjet louent un certain nombre d'avions avec équipage à l'étranger pour faire face à la haute saison d'hiver. AgrandirPhotothèque Le Soleil"

La profession de pilote de ligne n'est plus ce qu'elle était. La fascination qu'exerce ce métier et le prestige dont jouissent les pilotes ont grandement diminué.

"Vancouver – Some of the world’s leading aviation experts will present the latest advances in safety at the third International Winter Operations Conference, to be held October 9-10 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver."

"Air Canada’s unions cried foul Friday after the company said its chief executive, Calin Rovinescu, earned more than $9.5-million in compensation last year."

The federal government’s changes to its temporary worker program have sparked concern that red tape will lead to missed business opportunities.

"TORONTO – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today welcomed the federal government’s reform of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which the Association has been advocating for several years."

SCOC dismisses appeal in case where some Air Canada pilots had to retire at 60. The law has since changed.

"As Air Canada’s discount carrier Rouge gets set to take off in July, hiring is getting under way for 150 flight attendant jobs based in Toronto."

"For nearly 34 years, Larry Crowley travelled the world as an Air Canada pilot."

"(Shawinigan) Tommy Grenier n'était qu'un élève de l'école de pilotage de Nadeau Air Service alors qu'un incendie s'est déclaré dans l'avion où il prenait place le 15 octobre dernier avec son instructeur de vol, Stéphane Barrette."

Smaller air operations don't want a new proposal to combat pilot fatigue drafted by a government-led group to apply to them.

"Air Canada’s pilots have selected new leaders to oversee the 3,000 member union, a few months after losing an arbitration ruling that imposed a new collective agreement with the country’s largest airline."

"Air Canada’s pilots have selected new leaders to oversee the 3,000 member union, a few months after losing an arbitration ruling that imposed a new collective agreement with the country’s largest airline."

"Toronto - Air Canada pilots have chosen new officers to lead their 3,000 - member association."

"Air Canada gave assurances Monday that its expanded relationship with Sky Regional Airlines to include routes to the U.S. won't result in pilot layoffs, citing its plan to hire hundreds of new employees."

"As Air Canada focuses on launching a new discount carrier, it is also moving more of its short-haul flying to a regional carrier, Sky Regional Airlines."

"Despite the sluggish economy, Canada’s two biggest airlines are pushing ahead with new initiatives, from Air Canada’s low-cost carrier to West Jet’s regional airline."

"(Reuters) - Air Canada, having overcome union resistance to the launch of a low-cost carrier, plans to start offering cheap flights to holiday destinations next year, slowly ramping up to a 50-aircraft operation that it hopes will return it to profit."

"The creation of Air Canada's low-cost carrier will expand choices for Canadians in 2013 while providing a lift to the country's tourism sector by luring more foreign visitors, travel experts say."

"Air Canada (AC/A) rose the most in three months after a government-appointed arbitrator supported the carrier’s final contract offer to pilots, resolving a labor dispute dating to 2010."

"An arbitrator has selected Air Canada's final offer to forge a new contract for pilots, clearing the way for management's proposal to launch an international discount airline."

"VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A Canadian government-appointed arbitrator chose to enforce Air Canada's final offer over one proposed by the union representing its 3,000 pilots, ending a long and bitter contract dispute but angering the pilots."

"Air Canada said on Monday a government arbitrator chose to enforce the airline's final offer over one proposed by the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), its pilots' union, ending a long and bitter contract dispute."

"MONTRÉAL, le 30 juill. 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada a annoncé aujourd'hui qu'elle et l'Association des pilotes d'Air Canada (APAC) ont été informées de la décision de l'arbitre, M. Douglas Stanley, à l'issue du processus d'arbitrage de l'offre finale, qui s'est déroulé conformément à la Loi sur la protection des services aériens."

"MONTREAL, July 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it along with the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) have received the decision of the arbitrator, Mr. Douglas Stanley, in the final offer selection arbitration conducted in accordance with the Protecting Air Service Act."

"July 30 (Reuters) - An arbitrator's decision on the terms of a labor contract between Air Canada and its pilots union will be released later on Monday, a spokeswoman for Canadian Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said."

"MONTREAL, July 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it along with the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) have received the decision of the arbitrator, Mr. Douglas Stanley, in the final offer selection arbitration conducted in accordance with the Protecting Air Service Act."

"The Air Canada Pilots Association said late Monday it was angered by the decision of a federally-appointed arbitrator to impose a new contract on them, which among other measures will allow the country’s largest carrier to push ahead with its plans to launch a new low-cost subsidiary."

"An arbitrator has selected Air Canada’s final offer to forge a new contract for pilots, clearing the way for management’s proposal to launch an international discount airline."

"A little-noticed decision, posted last week to the Federal Court of Appeal’s website, overturned earlier findings by the Federal Court of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that contractual provisions forcing Air Canada pilots to retire at 60 violated the Charter of Rights."

"An arbitrator has sided with Air Canada, choosing its final offer over that put forward by its 3,000 pilots, ending the long-simmering contract dispute."

"A government-appointed arbitrator chose to enforce Air Canada's final offer over one proposed by the union representing its 3,000 pilots, both sides said Monday, ending a long and bitter contract dispute."

"July 30 (Reuters) - An arbitrator's decision on the terms of a labor contract between Air Canada and its pilots union will be released later on Monday, a spokeswoman for Canadian Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said."

"Un proche collaborateur du premier ministre Stephen Harper deviendra en septembre vice-président d'Air Canada à la stratégie d'entreprise, aux affaires de l'industrie et aux relations gouvernementales, a annoncé aujourd'hui le transporteur aérien."

Derek Vanstone is currently Harper’s deputy chief of staff and was previously chief of staff to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty from 2007 to 2010.

"Air Canada says a senior aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper will become the airline's vice-president for corporate strategy and government affairs, starting in September."

Pension woes are back at the top of Air Canada’s concerns as the carrier seeks a new reprieve from retirement funding to avert a looming financial crisis.

An arbitrator has selected Air Canada’s final offer on a five-year contract for mechanics and airport workers over one proposed by the union.

"Air Canada is shifting its strategy for launching a discount operation, focusing on locating a new low-cost international carrier in Vancouver in a bid to tap into the potential of Asian destinations."

"Air Canada’s chief executive officer believes turbulent labour relations will soon be behind the airline, aiming to focus on bringing the airline back to profitability."

"CALGARY • Arbitration will not answer the tough cultural questions facing Air Canada, the airline’s pilots union said Monday at the company’s annual general meeting here, as employees complained expanding executive pay would serve only to widen the cultural divide."

"Air Canada’s chief executive officer is vowing to redouble his efforts to launch a low-cost carrier, saying he is prepared to make hard choices to ensure the airline’s growth."

"Reuters) - Air Canada remains committed to entering the low-cost segment of the airline industry, possibly by starting its own low-cost carrier or through a partnership, the company's chief executive said, despite employee concerns about such a venture"

Air Canada shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a new policy on executive compensation.

"You will be aware that the Air Canada Pilots Association’s attempts to negotiate a new collective agreement have failed, resulting in the dispute being sent to an arbitration process imposed by the federal government."

"Fellow Pilots,There have been a number of high profile incidents lately on the line, including engine failures. Our crews have demonstrated the utmost level of professionalism, as always, with the safety of our passengers in mind."

"OTTAWA—Pilots flying in Canadian skies are getting hit with blinding lasers more than ever, sparking calls for a crackdown on a problem that experts say threatens passenger safety."

"OTTAWA Pilots flying in Canadian skies are getting hit with blinding lasers more than ever, sparking calls for a crackdown on a problem that experts say threatens passenger safety."

The union representing Air Canada (AC.A-T0.86----%) pilots says a last attempt to reach a negotiated settlement has failed and the dispute will be going to arbitration.

Air Canada’s talks with the union representing its pilots have broken off and the dispute will now go before final offer arbitration.

A last-ditch attempt between Air Canada and its pilots to work out a new contract on their own came to a crashing halt Saturday and it appears resolving the matter will fall to a federal mediator.

"TORONTO – A ten-day effort by Air Canada pilots to negotiate a new agreement with the airline has failed, sending the dispute to federally-legislated arbitration."

"Air Canada will commence a 10-day bargaining period with pilots union Thursday with the hopes of hammering out a new tentative agreement, or least finding some common ground, before their labour dispute goes to final offer arbitration."

Labour Minister Lisa Raitt has appointed two arbitrators to help mediate long-standing contract disputes at Air Canada.

"OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 2, 2012) - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, has today appointed Mr. Douglas Stanley as the arbitrator in the dispute between Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA)."

"It is the country’s biggest and most dysfunctional airline, at war with its unions, losing money and protected by Ottawa. There may be only one way out."

Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) have agreed to re-commence negotiations.

Wake up call on Pilot Fatigue?

Dead Tired

Air Canada is threatening to fire the president of its pilots’ union after the carrier alleges he publicly questioned the safety of the airline while in uniform in a televised interview.

"Paul Strachan, the president of the Air Canada Pilots Association, has been reprimanded by the airline for making allegedly “reckless” remarks about plane safety."

"Labour tensions at Air Canada continue...and some say they're thinking twice about their travel plans. We hear from Montrealers, and Mike speaks to the president of the Air Canada Pilots Association."

The Air Canada Pilots Association is urging a group of 27 former union leaders to stand down and join a united campaign to obtain a fair labour contract.

Former labour leaders from the Air Canada Pilots Association are telling union members to open their minds to new ideas from the airline’s management.

Back to Work Backlash - Air Canada Pilots Challenge Legislation

Back to Work Backlash - Air Canada Pilots Challenge Legislation

Air Canada sent signals Wednesday that if legally challenged over its treatment of Aveos Fleet Performance Inc. it plans to argue its own maintenance centres in Canada comply with the 1988 privatization act that requires it...

"The Quebec government is considering suing Air Canada and the federal government for the loss of nearly 1,800 Montreal jobs after the closing of aircraft repair firm Aveos Fleet Performance Inc."

MONTREAL—Two of Air Canada’s largest employee groups are launching constitutional challenges against federal back-to-work legislation that prevents a strike or lockout at the country’s largest carrier.

OTTAWA - An appeal from federal bureaucrats to use back-to-work legislation only as a last resort in labour disputes at Air Canada appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

"The government's latest intervention in relations between Air Canada and its pilots might have prevented stoppages over the busy March Break period, but it has not brought labour peace."