Air Canada reaches last-minute deal with pilots union, averting strike

Negotiations end just hours before deadline

Air Canada and its pilots union have reached a last-minute deal, averting a strike that would have disrupted travel for thousands of passengers. The agreement was announced just hours before the union's strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday.

The deal includes a 14% pay increase over four years and improvements to working conditions

The deal includes a 14% pay increase over four years and improvements to working conditions, including increased vacation time and better scheduling.

The union had been seeking a 19% pay increase over four years, while Air Canada had offered 11%. The two sides had been negotiating for months, and a strike seemed increasingly likely as the deadline approached.

The deal is a relief to both Air Canada and its customers. A strike would have caused major disruptions to travel, with Air Canada flights being canceled or delayed.

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, and it carries more than 50 million passengers each year. The airline had warned that a strike would have cost it millions of dollars per day.

The union represents more than 3,000 pilots at Air Canada. The pilots had voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike if a deal could not be reached.

The deal is a significant victory for the union, which has been fighting for better pay and working conditions for its members.

It is also a relief to Air Canada, which can now focus on its operations without the threat of a strike hanging over its head.