Air Canada pilots prepare for strike amid ongoing labour dispute

After several months of disruptions for air travellers, there could be more turbulence ahead as the union representing Air Canada pilots prepares for a possible strike next month. The airline and pilots union have been negotiating for more than a year but remain far apart on compensation and other issues, the union said. Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association worked with a private mediator during the first half of this year and are now in conciliation. The pilots are now voting on whether to give their union a strike mandate. The earliest possible job action would be Sept. 17. "The pilots are frustrated," said first officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the master elected council, which represents pilots during negotiations with the airline. "We've seen a large gap between ourselves and our American counterparts, said Hudy. Right now, some of my American counterparts are making twice as much as I do and the pilots that I represent." The union is handing out lanyards, stickers and pins showing the phrase Strike Ready to its more than 5,500 members. Air Canada said they're seeing progress in the negotiations.<br/>