Air Canada Retirees Permit Pension Changes

Air Canada said a plan to limit payments toward its CAD$2.9 billion (USD$2.6 billion) pension deficit have not been opposed by retirees and managers, clearing the way for the airline to request government approval.

Hobbled by a sharp drop in global travel and tough domestic competition, Air Canada has said it needs a pension funding moratorium to help avert a second bankruptcy filing in six years.

The pension funding changes, which have been ratified by all five of the airline's Canada-based unions, call for a 21 month moratorium on past service contributions and fixed payments from 2011 to 2013.

The airline was also required to consult its retirees, managers and administrative, technical and support employees. The groups were given until Saturday to object to the changes, with the understanding that as long as no more than one-third expressed opposition to the proposal, it would be considered accepted.

Air Canada said as of the deadline, less than one per cent of affected individuals had expressed disagreement.

In addition to the pension funding changes, the airline has said it also needs labour peace and CAD$600 million in financing to meet its short-term needs. Its unions have already agreed to 21 month contracts that freeze their wages.

"The agreements remain subject to the adoption by the Federal Government of an Order-in-Council amending Air Canada's pension funding rules and Air Canada entering into agreements to raise a minimum of CAD$600 million in new financing," the airline said in a statement.