Contentious Relationship Sees Progress with 92% 'Yes' Vote on 3-Year Pilot Group Contract

PAL Airlines have a reason to celebrate after ratifying the very first collective agreement with their employer, with a confirming vote of 92% among eligible pilots. 

PAL Airlines of Canada is a regional airline primarily operating throughout Eastern Canada, providing scheduled flights, air charter, and air cargo with a fleet of Dash-8s and Beech 1900Ds. The new pilot contract is valid for 3 years and provides PAL pilots "increased compensation, stronger job-security protections, and improved working conditions" according to the Air Line Pilot Association. ALPA was once again integral in assisting with the negotiations process, helping PAL pilots from 2020 onward in their efforts to find common ground with their employer.

ALPA hints that the process was not without some contention, however. Since negotiations began, PAL received an unfair labor practice filing, a conciliation filing, a 100 percent strike vote, and allegations of political interference. In that case, PAL was thought by some pilots to have prevented their lawful use of Canadian Labor Code rights, effectively which in effect prevented the pilots from using the provisions provided to them under Canadian labor regulations. 

“For more than two years, PAL pilots demonstrated their full commitment to attaining a collective agreement that reflects the contributions they bring to the success of our airline and our community,” said Capt. Wanda Clarke, PAL pilot and Master Executive Council spokesperson. “By bringing pilot wages in line with our industry peers and enhancing our work rules significantly, we can be proud of what we have accomplished by negotiating a fair and equitable contract that works for both PAL pilots and our company.”

“This agreement is the first collective agreement concluded by the pilot group with PAL management,” continued Clarke. “It raises the quality of life for our pilots, in line with their peers, and will lead to our airline’s ability to retain our current workforce and attract other experienced pilots in the future.”

The contract will go into effect once signed. 

FMI: www.alpa.org, www.palairlines.ca