Air Canada (AC.TO), pilots have voted to ratify a new four-year labour deal with the country’s largest carrier, the union said on Thursday, 10th of October, 2024 thereby eliminating the risk of work stoppages despite concerns by some members about pay for entry level aviators.

According to Reuters, the agreement received 67% votes in favor, said the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents the workers.

The deal, which runs retroactively from Sept. 30, 2023 until Sept. 29, 2027, would give pilots a general four-year cumulative rate increase of about 42%, generating approximately C$1.9 billion in additional value.

“We look forward to working under these improved pay rates and working conditions,” said Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council in a statement.

But the contract does not increase wages at the same rate across all categories. According to a copy of the draft deal seen by Reuters, a newly hired Air Canada first officer who flies a 737 MAX jet would have just a C$3.36 increase in 2024 versus 2023. Over the course of the deal, however, his or her wages would rise by 62%.