Trudeau Urges Settlement in Air Canada Pilots' Dispute, Dismisses Arbitration Intervention

The Canadian government will not intervene to end the dispute between Air Canada and its pilots. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the importance of collective bargaining, dismissing arbitration. A potential strike could affect 110,000 passengers daily. Despite pressure from business groups, Ottawa will only act if negotiations show no goodwill.

The Canadian government will not step in to resolve the dispute between Air Canada and its pilots, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.

While a strike could begin as early as September 18, Trudeau emphasized the importance of collective bargaining and refused to push for binding arbitration, despite calls from airline and business groups.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon met with both parties, who remain far apart on wage issues. Ottawa has historically intervened post-stoppage, and Trudeau reaffirmed this precedent, stating action would only be taken if negotiations fail to show goodwill.

(With inputs from agencies.)