Air Canada, passengers and pilots brace for strike

If midnight deadline missed, either side can trigger shutdown in three days

- CLARRIE FEINSTEIN

Air Canada pilots prepare for potential strike action at Toronto’s Pearson airport on Friday. Higher wages remain the main sticking point in negotiations with the airline.

The clock ticked down Saturday night as labour negotiations continued between Air Canada and the pilots’ union to reach a new deal before a strike or lockout notice could be issued at midnight.

For almost 15 months, Air Canada has been at the bargaining table with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents more than 5,200 pilots, with the main sticking point for the union being better wages.