Release #: 24.17
June 24, 2024

ALPA Welcomes the Passage of Legislation to Address Deficiencies in the Canada Labour Code

OTTAWA, ONT.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) commended the passage of Bill C-58, an ALPA-backed bill closing a loophole in the Canada Labour Code and Canada Industrial Relations Board regulations through which airline managements have prevented their pilots from exercising their right to lawfully strike.

“The passage of Bill C-58 is a major victory for both our pilots and the rights of all workers in Canada,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “Banning replacement workers has been a priority of ours for decades, and I am grateful to all the Canadian pilots who stood in solidarity and took action to ensure this bill became law. I applaud the lawmakers who helped to protect workers’ rights by prohibiting scabs from being used during legal strikes and lockouts.”

The new legislation also includes ALPA-proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code’s maintenance of activities process that establishes how essential services are to be maintained in the event of a labour disruption and, most importantly, ensures that timelines cannot be manipulated or weaponized by employers intending to delay reaching a collective agreement or frustrating the bargaining process. 

“We commend the Government of Canada for consulting with major stakeholders from coast to coast to ensure the legislation brings fairness to the bargaining table and better protects the rights of workers, Capt. Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president. “We are confident this legislation will have a positive impact on the bargaining process by leveling the playing field for both employers and unions whose workers provide critical services to Canadians and their communities. We look forward to its timely implementation.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 78,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org