95 businesses pen letter urging gov. to act on Air Canada dispute

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and 95 business groups and chambers of commerce – including ACTA, Restaurants Canada, Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario, Retail Council of Canada – have expressed “deep concern” at the possibility of a strike by Air Canada pilots.

In a letter to federal Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, they urge the federal government to take “decisive action.”

“The potential for a labour disruption is alarming, given the wide-reaching implications it would have on Canadians, the nation’s economy, supply chains, and our global reputation.”

As it stands, Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge presently operate close to 670 daily flights on average and carry more than 110,000 passengers within Canada or internationally. Every day, Air Canada flights bring about 24,000 Canadians back home from abroad and return about 15,000 foreigners visiting Canada to their home country.

Alongside leisure travel, the letter addresses concerns around supply chain disruptions, too.

“Air Canada’s cargo network is important for the import and export of critical, time-sensitive goods such as vaccines and medical supplies, agriculture and perishable food products, and parts and machinery for small and medium sized Canadian manufacturers,” it continues, citing a potential strike as “bad timing” following the Canadian Pacific Rail strike at the end of August, which caused massive disruptions for the economy, as well as commuters. “It was another example of a disturbing trend—labour disputes, and threat of them, have disrupted operations…If Canadian businesses are unable to deliver our goods to market on time, our international partners will begin to seek permanent alternatives,” it continues.

Urging the federal government towards decisive action, the group letter concludes: “Should the parties not come to a negotiated agreement, the federal government must prioritize Canadians and be prepared to act in advance to prevent yet another damaging disruption by referring the matter to binding arbitration where a neutral arbitrator can resolve any outstanding issues. Swift action will ensure that a fair and sustainable resolution can be achieved, ensuring the stability and continuity of operations that are so vital to Canada’s prosperity.”

To read the full letter, click here.