Calls on Canadian Government to Repatriate Flight Crew Held Without Charges for Seven Months

Capt. Tim Perry, President of ALPA Canada, issued a statement, as the seven-month anniversary approaches since two Pivot Airlines pilots, along with three other employees, were detained in the Dominican Republic after discovering and then reporting contraband on their aircraft.

"After nearly seven months, the flight crew remains detained and unable to leave the country. ALPA Canada has been working extremely hard through all available means and diplomatic channels along with Pivot management, other unions, police, and government officials to bring these Canadians home. It is appalling that Dominican authorities have chosen to hold these individuals, knowing they followed all local and international protocols and regulations when immediately reporting their discovery.

"Evidence suggests no wrongdoing by the crew, and on August 30, Pivot's lawyers filed for the case against the crew to be dismissed. Unfortunately, the Dominican authorities continue to ignore what has been presented to them.

"Most recently, during their bail hearing on October 20, no translator was present. This was the fourth hearing where a translator, arranged by the courts, failed to show up. This also meant, once again, that the lawyers representing the crew were unable to state for the court why this case should be dismissed.

"We are very frustrated with the lack of progress being made on this file by the Canadian government and are concerned by the actions of authorities in the Dominican Republic. Once again, we are repeating our demand that the Government of Canada act more expeditiously in repatriating these Canadians.

"ALPA Canada has lost faith in the Dominican authorities and judicial process, and we are losing faith in the diplomatic channels and means we have exhaustively employed to bring these Canadians home.

"This crew did exactly what was expected of them by notifying the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, local authorities, and their company, yet they remain trapped in this horrible situation.

"We have advised our members that if they have any questions about what to do in the event they are scheduled to operate a flight to the Dominican Republic, or what their company expects of them if a similar situation is encountered, to contact their supervisor and ensure all of their concerns are addressed to their satisfaction."

FMI: www.alpa.org