Air Canada and Unifor’s 4-Year Agreement Could Improve Passenger Experience 

June 15, 2026 Team Contributor

Air Canada has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Unifor, the airline’s third agreement this year following earlier ratifications covering In-Flight Crew Schedulers and Flight Operations Crew Schedulers. The agreement received strong support, with 94% approval from members working across Air Canada’s operations. 

Key Highlights of the Agreement 

Air Canada members can enjoy many benefits from this 4-year deal: 

• 21% compounded wage increase over the contract period 

• 12% first-year pay hike for employees nationwide 

• 3% rise in annual wages over each of the next three years 

• Receive a signing bonus once the agreement is finalized 

• Shift premiums are set to improve, along with stronger long-term pay benefits 

• Compensations on unused sick days carried forward 

Upgraded Benefits Designed Around Employee Well-Being 

The new agreement enhances employee benefits with a greater emphasis on overall well-being. Stronger mental health support, better dental and vision coverage, and improved access to prescription medications and paramedical services are included to provide more comprehensive care to the members of Air Canada Mainline. 

Working conditions have also been strengthened through paid travel time and employer-funded travel insurance. Additional union support for workers stationed in remote or field locations has also been included. 

Stronger Job Security Measures 

The contract helps protect existing jobs by preserving current operations arrangements with Jazz Aviation. With PAL Airlines included in the agreement, the agreement strengthens regional operations by creating greater stability and supporting long-term service continuity. 

These measures are designed to ensure consistent employment opportunities for approximately 6,000 Unifor Local 2002 members. These individuals work at airports and contact centres nationwide, handling ticketing, reservations, travel changes and customer support services. 

Why This Matters for Air Canada Passengers 

For travellers, this agreement brings potential stability in frontline services such as check-in, bookings and customer assistance.  

• More stable frontline services across check-in, bookings, and support 

• Lower the risk of service disruptions during peak travel periods 

• Offer consistent support across airports and customer contact centres 

• Faster handling of travel changes and inquiries from passengers 

• Greater operational stability to improve traveller experience 

The agreement will remain in place until February 28, 2030, providing long-term certainty for employees and the airline. It also ensures consistent support for essential operational positions, allowing Air Canada to deliver reliable services across its network. 

Previous coverage noted potential service disruptions amid contract talks involving Air Canada’s 5,826 customer service agents. With the new four-year collective agreement, passengers can have better clarity and more confidence while planning trips.

About the Author