ACTA is urging the federal government to intervene and help find a resolution to Air Canada’s labour dispute with its pilots before it becomes “another significant challenge” to the Canadian travel industry and Canadian public. The pilots, who have voted overwhelmingly to strike if negotiations with the company fail to result in an agreement, are in a position to do so on Sept. 18.

ACTA notes that as Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada transports up to 120,000 passengers each day.

“If its planes are grounded, the repercussions on the travel industry would be devastating, with Canadian consumers, employees, and businesses across the nation also feeling the effects,” says ACTA.

Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) president Wendy Paradis said, “Our members are fielding calls from people across the country and throughout the world concerned about potential disruptions to their long-awaited travel plans and critical business trips. This uncertainty alone threatens our industry’s long-term growth. We urge the federal government to take swift action in support of a resolution that will safeguard travel plans and protect our sector’s stability.”

She added that a labour disruption at Air Canada would mean significant financial strain and uncertainty on travel agencies, threatening their ability to operate effectively and meet their clients’ needs.

“It is essential that there be no disruption, as these businesses rely on a stable travel environment to thrive and ensure that Canadians can travel safely and with confidence,” she added.