Air Canada Plans for Shutdowns If Deal With Pilots Isn't Reached

Group 1 - Air Canada is preparing to shut down most of its operations due to a potential strike or lockout resulting from a labor dispute with its pilots [1] - The airline has warned that if no agreement is reached with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) by Sunday, either side can issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice, leading to a wind-down plan that would suspend all flights by September 18 [1] - The union represents over 5,200 pilots for both Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge [2] Group 2 - Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau stated that the ALPA's salary demands exceed average Canadian wage increases, and a shutdown is likely unless the union moderates its demands [3] - The ALPA chair accused Air Canada of not addressing key issues such as fair compensation and quality-of-life improvements during negotiations [3] - Air Canada is negotiating with other carriers to provide seats for customers if a strike occurs, and passengers with canceled flights will receive full refunds and can reschedule trips without charge [3] Group 3 - Air Canada shares fell nearly 2% on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) [4]