During The Pandemic Issues That Began In 2020, SAS Furloughed Almost Half Of Its Pilots

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) has voiced its support for the union-represented pilots of SAS, who went on strike on July 4. “We strongly support the professional pilots of SAS in exercising their right to strike, and we urge SAS management to address the pilots’ legitimate job security concerns,” said APA President Capt. Edward Sicher.

“A negotiated settlement to end this strike promptly is in the best interests of all SAS stakeholders, including the pilots, airline management, other employees of the airline, the traveling public, and the airline’s codeshare partners.

“The governments of Denmark and Sweden – which hold a partial ownership stake in SAS – and the airlines’ private shareholders likewise have a strong vested interest in ending this strike,” he said.

During the pandemic-induced industry downturn that began in 2020, SAS furloughed almost half of its pilots. The airline has since indicated it will replenish its ranks with pilots from its Connect and Link subsidiaries, rather than bringing back the furloughed pilots.

SAS has canceled approximately 50 percent of its scheduled flights since the strike began, and it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States this week. The striking pilots are represented by the SAS Pilot Group.

“Going on strike is always a last resort, but SAS management has unfortunately left the pilots of SAS with no other viable path,” Capt. Sicher said. “With the airline’s future hanging in the balance, we urge management to return to the bargaining table immediately and negotiate with its pilots in good faith.”

APA represents the 14,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces.

FMI: www.AlliedPilots.org