Air Transat Pilots Have Been Negotiating For Almost A Year

Way too close to the Christmas holidays, Air Transat pilots have set the stage for a potential strike later this week. In the official notice to airline management, (as required under the Canada Labour Code), ALPA issued a 72-hour strike notice, which could begin as early as 0300 ET this Wednesday, December 10.

“There is still time to avoid a strike but unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract,” said Capt. Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC).

The Air Transat pilots have been negotiating for almost a year to achieve a modern contract with industry-standard pay, benefits, work rules, and job security to replace their current 2015 agreement. On December 2, 99 percent of the airline’s 750 pilots approved a vote authorizing their leadership to declare a strike if necessary.

“No pilot wants to strike, but Air Transat management has left us no choice," added Small. "Months of unproductive bargaining ends now. If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every canceled flight and stranded passenger."

FMI: www.airtransat.com, www.alpa.org