Business Groups Urge Action as Potential Air Canada Strike Threatens Supply Chain

12 Sep Business Groups Urge Action as Potential Air Canada Strike Threatens Supply Chain

Business groups have expressed serious concern over the looming Air Canada pilot strike, warning that it could significantly disrupt Canada’s supply chain. Both passenger travel and cargo operations would be affected, with wide-reaching consequences for Canadian businesses and consumers.

In a letter to federal labour minister Steven MacKinnon, 41 business groups and 53 local chambers of commerce, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, urged immediate action to avert the strike. They highlighted the importance of Air Canada’s cargo network in delivering critical, time-sensitive goods such as vaccines, medical supplies, perishable foods, and radioactive isotopes used in cancer treatments.

The letter emphasized that even a short disruption would be damaging, especially since Air Canada is one of the few carriers capable of meeting the tight deadlines required for these shipments. In response, Air Canada has already started limiting acceptance of some cargo due to the potential delays.

Although our company does not rely on Air Canada for our air shipments, we expect indirect impacts. As companies move to alternative airlines, congestion and competition for cargo space will increase, potentially causing delays in getting goods to market, and driving the price for space to increase.

The business groups noted that this potential strike comes on the heels of recent labor disputes across the country’s rail networks and ports, further complicating Canada’s supply chain. They urged the government to intervene swiftly and be prepared to resolve any outstanding issues before a disruption occurs.