The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that after several years of labour unrest, Canadian travellers face more potential airline disruptions in 2026. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics halted operations at the country's two biggest airlines since June, 2024, and the threat of job action from pilots at WestJet and Air Transat further snarled operations. The slew of work stoppages has left many wondering whether the coming year will be more peaceful on the aviation front -- or if they still need to book with caution. Porter Airlines' flight dispatchers could be in a legal strike position as early as Jan. 20 after its three-dozen members voted 100 per cent to give their union a strike mandate. Porter is also trying to hammer out first-time contracts with pilots and cabin crew. Meanwhile, collective agreements with WestJet pilots and Air Canada mechanics and baggage handlers are expiring by the end of March. Aside from Porter, no potential work stoppages are expected in the first few months of 2026 due to conciliation and cooling-off periods. The rising cost of living and union wins south of the border has led to higher expectations.
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