Pilots Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract After Years Negotiating

Pilots flying for Canada-based PAL Aerospace voted by a large margin to ratify a three-year contract. 

The group is represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and said it was the first-ever collective agreement for them. The agreement includes competitive compensation, stronger protections for job security, better benefits, and improvements in working conditions and scheduling methods.

PAL Aerospace, part of the PAL Group of Companies, provides maritime airborne surveillance, charter, air ambulance, and aircraft management services. It also supports the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. 

The company recently secured a new contract to provide support for airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for the United Kingdom’s push to counter illegal migration small-boat crossings.

Capt. Stephen Young, chair of the PAL Aerospace ALPA Master Executive Council said, “It has been a very long process; however, I am happy we finally have ratified our first collective agreement. The new contract is a solid foundation for us to layer on for years to come. Each subsequent agreement will build on the successes of this one, and make our members stronger and healthier as they advance in their aviation careers.” He added, “This newly ratified agreement improves our work-life balance as well as solidifies job security by establishing a seniority-based system throughout bases and divisions across the company. I am proud of the work we have done to achieve our first contract, as well as what this agreement means for our pilots.”

FMI:  www.alpa.org/news-and-events/