Air Canada pilots give strike mandate but talks continue
Posted February 15, 2012 6:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Air Canada pilots have given their union an overwhelming strike mandate, but it doesn’t mean a work stoppage is just around the corner.
Of the 3,000 pilots who cast ballots, 97 per cent voted for a walkout to press their contract demands.
The pilots’ union said there’ll be no strike while mediated talks continue.
Air Canada is telling its customers it’s business as usual, and adds it wants to keep talking with the pilots union.
Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt has started a six-month mediation process.
Raitt has told Air Canada and the pilots that any work stoppage would not be in the best interests of Canadians.
One of the major issues is Air Canada’s plan to set up a low-cost international carrier whose pilots would earn less than those flying for the main airline.
