Air Canada pilots’ contract uncertain with discount carrier

Air Canada has refused to reopen labour talks with its pilots, which has triggered a ratification vote on a tentative deal that calls for a new discount leisure airline (The Globe and Mail/CTV, 29-Apr-2011). The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) will announce Monday that it will forge ahead with the vote because management declined to discuss revisions sought by union negotiators. ACPA stated it is unanimous "in the belief that the tentative agreement must be sent to the pilots for a vote so that the democratic process is upheld. Therefore, the ratification vote for the tentative agreement will commence May 9." Air Canada's proposed LCC offshoot is planned to launch in winter and will target vacation destinations in Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.