ALPA, ACPA Not Happy

Cargojet has terminated the employment of twenty three pilots, despite the need for more pilots at that airline. Canada’s two largest pilot groups, ALPA and Air Canada Pilots Association, are not happy with the decision. 

“It is highly questionable for Cargojet to fire these pilots while they continue to hire,” said Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president. “This is a further troubling tactic used by Cargojet, coming mere weeks after the Company engaged in an effort to coerce its pilots to support its plan to weaken Canada’s new pilot fatigue rules.”

ACPA says that the majority of the twenty three terminated pilots were among 600 pilots furloughed by Air Canada as a result of COVID impacts. None of those pilots have been formally recalled by that airline.

ALPA is awaiting notification from the Canada Industrial Relations Board to officially transfer the bargaining rights from Unifor following a representation vote, at which point ALPA’s lawyers will be permitted to advise the Cargojet pilot group on the best course of action to hold Cargojet management accountable for their despicable actions, noted Perry.

“We are astounded by Cargojet’s decision to lay off pilots just prior to the expiration of the probation provisions, while continuing to hire pilots,” said Rob Giguere, Chief Executive Officer of the Air Canada Pilots Association. “The most successful airlines over the long-term – from both the safety and profitability perspective – are those who cultivate a relationship of mutual respect – and not fear – with their professional pilots. We call on Cargojet management to work on that basis with its pilot group.”

FMI: https://www.alpa.org, https://acpa.ca