Air Canada’s pilot's union (ACAP) is in preliminary talks with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) over a merger, Reuters is reporting.

Stronger support network

ALPA, which represents over 66,000 pilots across North America, could potentially add another 4,500 union-affiliated Air Canada pilots to its membership. ALPA is the largest union of its type worldwide, with members employed across 40 airlines in the United States and Canada.

A merger with ALPA would provide ACPA with significantly stronger legal and bargaining resources – most recently, ALPA backed a successful negotiation for a 21.5% pay rise over the next 18 months for JetBlue flight deck crew, as well as providing support to Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines on new contract proposals.

Talks are in their initial stages. Any formal merger would require approval from ACAP’s membership and board to proceed.

“ALPA and ACPA pilot leaders met this week for an initial discussion about a potential merger and the benefits of being stronger together. Any decision on whether to formalize a partnership would ultimately rest with the pilots and their elected leaders at each union,” the unions told Reuters.

Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

Governance changes

The launch of talks closely coincides with the election of a new Chief Executive Officer. First Officer Charlene Hudy was confirmed as the union’s new CEO on Tuesday, with her term set to run through until March 2025. Hudy has committed to continuing ACPA’s work improving pay and working conditions for Air Canada’s pilots, explaining in a media statement,

“ACPA is dedicated to advocating for Air Canada pilots and, in my new role, I will raise our pilots’ voices in support of critical needs. The Association has consistently worked to improve salaries and working conditions, as well as protect pilot safety. This remains a top priority for 2023.”

Recently appointed Natalie Wiley joins Hudy as National Chair of ACPA’s Governing Council. Wiley brings 17 years of legal experience to support the union’s continued development.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying.

American Airlines next?

As the only legacy carrier not represented by ALPA, American Airlines’ Allied Pilots Association (APA) began exploring the possibility of merging its 15,000-strong member base with the larger union in late 2022. Similarly, union supporters have touted the improved power and leverage for contract negotiations with the airline.

Grassroots campaigners group AA Pilots for ALPA have been the most vocal on the benefits of the merger, arguing that APA’s extensive membership base would provide significant backing to join the union on its terms.

Union survey results posted by the group in November found that 67% of respondents favored or strongly favored APA’s Board of Directors examining the possibility, while just 18% strongly opposed ALPA affiliation.

Plans remain in the research phase, with the freshly formed APA-ALPA Merger Exploratory Committee investigating and reviewing potential benefits, finances, governance, and seniority. A final report is set to be published for the Board of Directors meeting in Spring, with a two-thirds majority required to approve the merger.

What are your thoughts on an ACAP and ALPA merger? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: Reuters, FlightGlobal