As the largest all-cargo airline in Canada, Cargojet provides time-sensitive air cargo services to major cities across the globe, transporting more than 25 million pounds of air freight each week. It has long-term strategic partnerships with Amazon, Canada Post, UPS Canada, DHL, and Purolator.
For a good portion of 2025, the pilots of Cargojet were engaged in early contract negotiations with the company.
While the pilot group’s current collective agreement doesn’t expire until June 30, 2026, a pilot survey indicated overwhelming support to open contract talks early. In July, the pilots served the company a Notice to Bargain to negotiate their first collective agreement under ALPA representation. The pilot group is seeking a contract that reflects their skills and professionalism and paves the way for a strong pilot group and profitable company.
In July and August, the airline announced the extension of cargo contracts for Amazon and DHL, respectively. The DHL agreement was extended to 2033, with an option to renew until 2037, and the Amazon contract was extended until 2029, with a renewal option until 2031. These contracts account for nearly half of all Cargojet flying.
While these contract extensions were welcome news, the pilots understand that the sustainability and stability of these business relationships are dependent on a strong, qualified, and healthy pilot workforce. “To maintain the trust of Cargojet’s clients and uphold the pilot group’s excellent performance standards, Cargojet management must acknowledge the critical value pilots bring to the operation and prioritize pilot retention and labour stability in the next collective agreement,” said Capt. Adam Brochu, the pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) chair.
“With a tough but fair negotiating strategy, the Cargojet MEC, with the support of ALPA, looks forward to negotiating and producing a contract that the Cargojet membership can stand behind,” Brochu remarked.
Cargojet pilots sent a resounding message to their management that they wanted a pilots’ union who would fight for them and protect their interests, such as challenging management’s recent attempts to water down the federal rules governing pilot rest requirements.
Cargojet MEC
We support pilots with a wealth of resources, including crucial member benefits and tools to help our members navigate their career.
We work hard every day to advance aviation safety and security, elevate the airline piloting profession, and improve the lives of our members. Learn more about our key issues and how you can help.
Our Advocacy WorkYour MEC is your first connection to the pilot community. Visit your MEC website to meet your pilot group leaders, access vital resources, read the latest communications, and volunteer.
