Pilots Have Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

Air Transat pilots have voted overwhelmingly to strike if continuing negotiations with Air Transat management fail to produce 'a modern contract.'

Of the 98 percent of eligible pilots who could vote, 99 percent voted in favour of a strike, if necessary. This result provides the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC) with the authority to declare a strike when legally permitted, which could be as early as the morning of December 10.

“This vote sends an undeniable message to Air Transat management: We are unified, resolute, and have earned a contract that reflects today’s industry standards, not the standards from 2015,” said Capt. Bradley Small, Air Transat MEC chair. “The 98 percent participation rate alone demonstrates the depth of frustration among our members, who are tired of flying under a decade-old and outdated collective agreement.”

While this is not an immediate strike notice, Air Transat pilots are prepared for any outcome. The pilots’ goals are to secure job security and to improve working conditions, compensation, and quality of life.

“Let us be clear, we do not want to strike. Our goal remains to reach an equitable agreement at the negotiating table,” said Small. “However, after nearly a year of slow bargaining and little progress, we urge management to utilize the remaining time and negotiate seriously to avoid operational and flight disruptions.”

Contract negotiations between Air Transat pilots and the airline began in January 2025. The parties left conciliation on November 18 and are currently in a 21-day cooling-off period, ending December 7, after which the union can file a 72-hour strike notice or management can impose a lockout.

Air Transat is a Canadian airline headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1986, it operates scheduled and charter flights serving 60 destinations in 25 countries. Air Transat is owned and operated by Transat A.T. Inc., with 43 aircraft registered with Transport Canada as of November 2025.

FMI: www.airtransat.com