As Air Canada's next CEO prepares to take the helm, the union representing its pilots raises alarms over alleged retaliatory practices at his current airline, Scandinavian Airlines.
The Air Canada Pilots Association has voiced serious concerns regarding what it describes as 'retaliatory and anti-labour' behavior by Scandinavian Airlines, where Anko van der Werff currently works. He is set to become Air Canada's CEO in January 2027. This situation has sparked a debate about the implications of such actions on labor relations in the airline industry, especially as van der Werff transitions to a leadership role at one of Canada's largest airlines. CBC News
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Air Canada
AC.TO
AC.TO
Air Canada
WealthAwesomeMarket cap
$6.91B
P/E
20.9x
52W high
$31.45
52W low
$16.45
1W change
-3.26%
Beta
1.66
Analyst Price Targets
Based on analyst covering AC · as of Sep 17, 2026
Wall Street analysts forecast AC stock price to rise 27.6% over the next 12 months.
Consensus
BullishBased on avg. target vs last close (formal rating unavailable for Canadian listings)
Avg. Target
C$34.89
+27.6% Upside
Current Price
C$27.34
Last close
Targets are snapshotted when they change. Unchanged figures keep their original date. Not financial advice.
Wealth Awesome Price Forecast
WA ModelStatistical 90-day price range based on AC's historical volatility
30-Day Vol
31.2%
Annualized
90-Day Vol
39.6%
Annualized
Trend (90d)
+42.0%
Annualized drift
90d Mean
C$31.76
Expected price
| Horizon | Expected | 68% Range (1σ) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 trading days | C$28.74 | C$25.81 – C$32.01 |
| 60 trading days | C$30.21 | C$25.95 – C$35.18 |
| 90 trading days | C$31.76 | C$26.36 – C$38.27 |
Methodology: Range is calculated using 30-day realized volatility via geometric Brownian motion (log-normal model). 68% band = ±1σ, 95% band = ±2σ. This is a statistical model, not a prediction. Past volatility does not guarantee future results. Not financial advice.
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Investor takeaway: The ongoing labor disputes highlight significant challenges in the airline industry's labor relations landscape.
Labor Relations Under Scrutiny Ahead of Leadership Change
The scrutiny surrounding van der Werff's leadership at Scandinavian Airlines raises questions about how his management style will influence Air Canada's labor relations, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the airline industry as a whole.
Bull case
- If van der Werff can effectively address the concerns raised by unions, it may lead to better labor relations and operational stability at Air Canada.
- A focus on positive labor practices could boost employee morale and customer service, which might enhance the airline's reputation and performance.
Bear case
- Continued allegations of anti-labour practices could lead to unrest among Air Canada's workforce, impacting operations and customer satisfaction.
- If labor disputes escalate, it may result in strikes or other disruptions, affecting the airline's financial performance and public image.
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Union Voices Concerns Over Leadership Transition
The Air Canada Pilots Association has expressed its worries about how Anko van der Werff's leadership style might impact Air Canada as he prepares to take over as CEO. The union's allegations against Scandinavian Airlines include claims of retaliatory actions against employees who engage in union activities. This situation has raised eyebrows among industry observers, who are eager to see how van der Werff will address these concerns once he assumes his new role.
The Broader Context of Labor Relations in Airlines
Labor relations within the airline industry have faced many challenges, as seen in recent disputes involving both Scandinavian Airlines and Air Canada. The dismissal of a pilot at SAS and the unlawful strike by Air Canada's flight attendants highlight the ongoing tensions between management and labor. As van der Werff steps into his new position, the industry will be watching closely to see if he can navigate these complex dynamics and foster a more collaborative environment.
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