Pilots from Air Canada organized a demonstration at Pearson Airport in Toronto yesterday, Friday, demanding better wages and working conditions as talks continue with the country's largest airline.

The Airline Pilots Association began the negotiation process in June, one day after union members and WestJet ratified the new collective agreement.

The union represents over 5,000 pilots at Air Canada.

The union and the employer stated that the so-called media sit-in at terminal 1, which occurred on the same day their nine-year agreement ended, would not affect Air Canada's flight schedule.

For her part, Charlene Hudy, head of the Air Canada unit of the union, said that since the agreement was canceled, her colleagues have been leaving for the United States in search of higher wages.

Air Canada also added that it remains engaged in fruitful discussions with the union, and that the terms of the agreement remain in effect.

Canadian pilots are demanding gains to bring them closer to the deals their counterparts in the United States have received.

Between March and September, pilots at Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines secured agreements that included pay increases over four years ranging from 34% to 40%.

Hudy described the wage gap between Canadian and American pilots as unacceptable.

Additionally, Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick stated that ongoing discussions are a normal part of the negotiation process.

He added in a statement sent via email: "We are committed to reaching a fair settlement through negotiations with our pilot group."