The CP and AirBC pilots have to keep flying. They are not in a legal strike position.

However, CP and AirBC pilots cannot be put to work on AC metal. So only the CP and feeder carrier networks can operate, which still makes a strike a hard prospect for the airline.

The interesting issue is how quickly the government will step in. There seems to be a great deal of opinion that the pilots would be legislated back before they every go out. I am not so sure. In view of the fact that half the network will still be in operation, I wonder whether the Government will let AC twist in the wind for a little while? There is likely little love lost between Cabinet and Milton at the moment.