It’s a Beauty Way to Go

On 17 May 2023, ALPA’s Executive Board approved by acclamation the union’s merger with the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA). Following the vote, the presidents of both organizations signed the merger agreement, thereby occasioning Air Canada’s entrance into ALPA’s fold as the fortieth pilot group to ally itself with the world-leading union.

With the addition of Air Canada’s pilots, ALPA’s membership surpasses 73,000 individual aviators.

ALPA president Captain Jason Ambrosi stated: “We are excited to welcome our colleagues at Air Canada to ALPA, and through this merger, we have reached another significant milestone in our work to advance the profession, keep flying safe, and promote the power of unionism. Together, our combined union will have greater strength in negotiating collective agreements, advancing pilots’ interests, and protecting labor rights. Adding their voice to our collective strength unifies the profession in an enormous way.”

The merger agreement went immediately into effect, transferring all representation rights from ACPA to ALPA with notification to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The two sides reached a merger agreement in principle in March 2023, and on 01 May, Air Canada pilots voted overwhelmingly to ratify the deal.

ACPA Master Elected Council chair First Officer Charlene Hudy remarked: “This is a monumental time for Air Canada pilots. By merging with ALPA, 95-percent of all professional Canadian pilots are represented by one union with one voice. With the collective strength of over 73,000 pilots in North America, we look forward to working toward a better future for the piloting profession and aviation industry as a whole.”

ALPA Canada president Captain Tim Perry added: “Unity among all pilots is our greatest strength and today, Canadian pilots across the nation are unified with a strong voice. ALPA is committed to advancing the profession and aviation safety, and with the addition of our Air Canada colleagues, we have dramatically increased ALPA’s presence across the nation, making us stronger in negotiations and on Parliament Hill.”

The Great White North’s largest airline and flag-carrier, Air Canada employs more than 4,500 pilots engaged in the global transportation of passengers and cargo under the Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge banners. The airline is headquartered near Toronto’s Pearson Airport (YYZ) and maintains pilot bases in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

FMI: www.alpa.org