Air Canada pilots are seeking higher salaries following the recent pay increase for Delta Air Lines pilots. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has requested that Air Canada negotiate a new collective agreement that would provide its pilots with a similar pay increase.
The Delta Air Lines pilot pay increase was announced in January 2020 and is set to take effect in April. The pay raise will bring the average Delta pilot salary to $225,000 per year, an increase of over 20 percent. This is the largest pay raise for pilots in the airline industry since 2008.
The ALPA has argued that Air Canada pilots should receive a similar pay increase to remain competitive in the industry. The union has noted that Air Canada pilots are paid significantly less than their counterparts at other major airlines, including Delta and United Airlines. Air Canada pilots currently earn an average of $175,000 per year, which is approximately 25 percent less than the average salary for Delta pilots.
In addition to seeking a pay increase, the ALPA has also requested that Air Canada improve its pension plan for pilots. The union has argued that Air Canada’s current pension plan does not provide enough retirement security for its pilots.
Air Canada has yet to respond to the ALPA’s request for a new collective agreement. However, the airline has stated that it is committed to providing its pilots with competitive salaries and benefits.
The outcome of the negotiations between Air Canada and the ALPA will have a major impact on the airline industry. If Air Canada agrees to the ALPA’s demands, it could set a new standard for pilot salaries across the industry. On the other hand, if Air Canada refuses to negotiate, it could lead to further labor disputes and disruptions in the industry.
It remains to be seen how the negotiations between Air Canada and the ALPA will play out. In the meantime, it is clear that Air Canada pilots are seeking higher salaries and better benefits in order to remain competitive in the industry.
Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream