Tensions are rising as a potential pilot strike or lockout at Canada’s largest airline is just days away, with no signs of progress in negotiations.

Several business groups, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, are planning an event in Ottawa today to push the government to act after calling for binding arbitration in an open letter.

Air Canada announced earlier this week that a work stoppage is becoming increasingly possible as negotiations with the union continue to stall.

According to the Canadian Press, unless an agreement is reached, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice as early as Sunday, potentially leading to a complete work stoppage as early as September 18.

Air Canada said Monday that an agreement is still possible if the Air Line Pilots Association reduces its “excessive” compensation expectations.

The union claimed that corporate greed was stifling negotiations, as Air Canada continues to generate record profits while expecting pilots to accept below-market pay.

According to a new assessment by the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, the anticipated labour disruption at Air Canada may cost the economy $1.4 billion.

Canada’s Largest Airline

Economists Randall Bartlett and LJ Valencia predict that a two-week pilot strike at Canada’s largest airline might result in daily losses of approximately $98 million, a 0.06 percent month-over-month loss to real GDP in September.

“Because of its outsized role in the Canadian airline market, a prolonged pilot strike could negatively impact economic activity,” according to the researchers.

The number of passengers could fall by 2.1 million, a 29% decrease from the previous month, they said.

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operate around 670 daily flights, carrying more than 110,000 passengers throughout Canada and overseas it is Canada’s largest cargo airline in terms of capacity.

Business organisations expressed “deep concern” on Wednesday about the upcoming pilot strike, claiming it will drastically disrupt Canada’s supply chain.

“The potential for a labour disruption is alarming, given the far-reaching implications for Canadians, the nation’s economy, supply chains, and our global reputation,” stated a letter signed by 41 business groups and 53 local chambers of commerce.

The group planned to attend a press conference in Ottawa on Thursday to encourage the federal government to take measures to avoid potential labour disruptions.

Last Air Canada pilot strike

The Desjardins economists said their estimate envisions a two-week strike, similar to the last significant Air Canada pilot strike in September 1998. Air Canada’s losses were projected at $200 million at the time, which is equivalent to $355 million now.

Meanwhile, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh told reporters on Thursday that we will “never support” back-to-work legislation as an Air Canada pilot strike approaches and concerns rise over a work stoppage.

“We’re going to send a clear message again that we are opposed to Justin Trudeau and the Liberals, or any government, interfering with workers,” he said during his party’s caucus conference in Montreal.

Singh continued, “If any proposals relating to back-to-work legislation are tabled, we would reject them. We’ll fight back against that. We will never support back-to-work.

Unless a deal is reached by Sunday, Air Canada or the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents 5,200 Air Canada pilots, may issue a 72-hour lockout or strike notice.

Air Canada president and CEO Michael Rousseau said in a statement that there was still time to negotiate an agreement with the pilots, and that the company will do all possible to safeguard its customers from a more inevitable work stoppage.

Air Canada Express flights will continue to operate, with third-party carriers Jazz and PAL Airlines providing these services. However, these regional partners transport only around 20% of Air Canada’s daily clients, with many of them eventually connecting on Air Canada aircraft.

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NEW YORK — Taylor Swift’s dominance continued at the MTV Video Music trophies when she won seven trophies, including the night’s largest, the trophy for video of the year.

In her address Wednesday night, Swift praised her “boyfriend, Travis” for being on the set of the “Fortnight” music video and cheering her on. Fans screamed with delight when NFL player Travis Kelce was mentioned.

“Everything this man touches turns to happiness, fun, and magic,” she remarked, before moving gears to the 2024 presidential race and encouraging her over-18 supporters to register to vote.

Swift did not, however, criticize Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign on stage. Swift backed the vice president on Tuesday night, just moments after Harris’ debate with former President Donald Trump concluded.

Swift’s awards sweep raises her career total to 30, tying her with Beyoncé for the most VMA awards in history. Eminem is currently the male artist with the most VMAs, with 15.

Swift and Post Malone also won the VMAs’ first broadcast award for best collaboration, “Fortnight,” which was presented to them by Flavour Flav and Olympian Jordan Chiles.

Swift began her address by paying tribute to everyone who lost their lives and loved ones on 9/11, 23 years ago.

“I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost and that is the most important thing about today,” she told me. “And everything that happens tonight falls behind that.”

She then turned to talk about Malone.

“There is a reason Post Malone is everyone in music’s favourite person to collaborate with,” she said, turning her gaze to him. “It has taken forever for me to get him to stop calling me ma’am.”

Taylor Swift Wins Big At The MTV VMAs To Tie Beyoncé’s Record And Thanks Travis Kelce

Chappell Roan received the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist.

“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me,” she stated during her address while wearing chain mail and reading from a written speech in her diary. “I’m dedicating this to the gay and trans people that govern pop… “Thank you for listening.”

Women dominated the award event, with Roan’s innovative, medieval set serving as a prime example.

Drag queen Sasha Colby presented her as “your favourite drag queen’s favourite artist,” alluding to Roan’s now-famous Coachella performance, which was inspired by Colby. Real supporters will undoubtedly have enjoyed the hyper-referential tidbit.

Roan came in armor, blasting a lighted crossbow at the castle gates behind her, which burned in the process. Her dancers were knights, battling each other in breathtaking choreography while she performed her queer pop hit “Good Luck, Babe.”

Sabrina Carpenter, the other 2024 pop vocalist, won the Song of the Year award for “Espresso.”

“This is really special,” she remarked in a speech dedicated to her supporters. “And thank you to that me-espresso.”

Earlier in the night, she sang her popular singles “Please Please Please,” “Taste,” and “Espresso” during the award event, dancing alongside a moon man and an alien.

Katy Perry accepted the Video Vanguard Award, playing an eight-song medley spanning her career: “Roar,” “E.T.,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “Firework,” and “Lifetimes.”

“I did that all on the first day of my period, can you believe it?” she said after receiving the award from her partner, Orlando Bloom. “To have a long and successful career as an artist, several factors must come together. “There are no decade-long accidents.”

She also teased a new song called “I’m His, He’s Mine,” which features Doechii and borrows the Crystal Waters classic “Gipsy Woman (La Da Dee La Da Da).”

Previous Video Vanguard Award winners include Shakira, Beyoncé, Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.

Eminem opened the VMAs with a medley of his singles “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me,” incorporating a televised feed of Jelly Roll. (The song refers to Jelly Roll’s big country radio hit “Save Me.”)

Megan Thee Stallion, a first-time host, welcomed the audience Wednesday night, joking that the VMAs now stand for the “voluptuous Megan awards.” She later performed.

Earlier in the evening, Karol G took over with a fierce rendition of her classic, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Rauw Alejandro took Puerto Rico to the stage, performing “Touching the Sky,” “DILUIVO,” and “Déjame Entrar.”

Tyla received the best Afrobeats award.

Taylor Swift Wins Big At The MTV VMAs To Tie Beyoncé’s Record And Thanks Travis Kelce

Flavour Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy joined LL COOL J to commemorate Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary.

Halsey channeled garage bands in her new single, “Ego,” which is set in the suburbs. GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF” added style.

Blackpink’s LISA, the best K-pop award winner, made her VMA debut as a soloist, belting out two brand-new tunes, “New Woman” and “Rockstar.” Shawn Mendes made his long-awaited return with a new John Mayer-esque acoustic single, “Nobody Knows.”

Anitta received the prize for best Latin with her performances of “Paradise,” “Alegria,” and “Savage Funk,” which included DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, and Tiago PZK. Camilla Cabello performed in a panopticon. Benson Boone was as excited as ever to sing his viral hit “Beautiful Things” on the VMA stage. Lenny Kravitz proved that rock isn’t dead with “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “Human,” and finally “Fly,” in which he was accompanied by Quavo.

The 40th VMAs took place in the UBS Arena on Long Island, New York.

The night was filled with superstars, including Swift, who came in a green tartan corset with a matching train and long black leather gloves.

Throughout the night, MTV flashed back to iconic moments from the VMAs’ 40-year history, such as Britney Spears’ albino python and Madonna’s performance of “Like A Virgin.”

SOURCE | AP

TORONTO – For the second time in four starts, Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning to a leadoff homer.

Francisco Lindor connected on a 0-2 fastball Wednesday, launching a no-doubt rocket over the right-field wall to give the New York Mets their first hit and knot the game at one.

Blue Jays Pitcher Bowden Francis Again Loses No-Hit Bid On Leadoff Homer In 9th

Bowden was promptly removed from the game and earned a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd of 29,399. The right-hander walked one, struck out one, and hit two batters with pitches. He threw 111 pitches, including 68 strikes.

Bowden also had a no-hitter going into the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels on August 24, but Taylor Ward homered to start the inning.

Dave Stieb pitched the lone no-hitter in Blue Jays history on September 2, 1990, in Cleveland.

In the sixth inning, New York’s Harrison Bader drove to deep left field against Francis, but Toronto’s Davis Schneider made an excellent catch near the wall.

Lindor then lined out to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base.

Guerrero also collected Jose Iglesias’ soft liner in the fourth, and Brandon Nimmo hit a strong liner to right field in the fifth.

Francis was named AL pitcher of the month for August, finishing 4-1 with a 1.05 ERA. He had 39 strikeouts and four walks in six appearances, five of which were starts.

Blue Jays Pitcher Bowden Francis Again Loses No-Hit Bid On Leadoff Homer In 9th

This season, the major leagues have seen four no-hitters. Last Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs pitched a combined no-hitter against Pittsburgh, following complete-game performances by Houston’s Ronel Blanco against Toronto on April 1, San Diego’s Dylan Cease against Washington on July 25, and San Francisco’s Blake Snell at Cincinnati on August 2.

The Mets have been no-hit eight times. Max Scherzer was the last pitcher to do so, with Washington on October 3, 2015.

SOURCE | AP