Raitt decision puts AirCan pilots lockout on hold

(Video added) Federal labour minister Lisa Raitt is stepping in to prevent a work stoppage at Air Canada next week.

This comes hours after Air Canada threatened to lock out its pilots on Monday, after tabling what it called a ‘best and final’ contract offer. Raitt says she will block planned work stoppages at the airline by sending two union contract disputes to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board.

The move prevents a strike or a lockout at Air Canada during the busy spring break travel period.

The airline had given its pilots until noon today to accept the offer. Monday marks another strike deadline by Air Canada’s largest union, which represents its ground crew and mechanics.

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