Air Transat Pilots Kick Off Contract Negotiations
MONTREAL, QUE.—Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), have formally begun negotiations for a new labor agreement. This move follows the issuance of the requisite notice to bargain, according to Section 49 of the Canada Labour Code, a significant development that marks the beginning of formal talks between the pilots and Air Transat management.
Background and Current Situation
The current collective agreement dates back to 2015, leaving many aspects outdated in light of industry advancements and economic shifts. With recent agreements secured by Air Canada and WestJet pilots, there is a clear precedent for updating employment terms to better reflect the current aviation landscape in Canada.
Capt. Bradley Small, Air Transat MEC chair, has made the pilot group’s stance unequivocally clear: “We have a collective agreement that dates back to 2015. We will negotiate a contract that reflects the current standard within Canada’s aviation sector, similar to those recently negotiated by Air Canada and WestJet.” He emphasized the unified front presented by the pilots, stating, “Our pilot group is united, and we want management to know that we are ready to fight for a contract that addresses the concerns of our pilots and brings stability to our airline.”
Key Negotiation Points
The pilots have identified several critical issues that they intend to address during these negotiations:
- Employment Protection: Ensuring job security amid industry fluctuations.
- Salary Conditions: Updating compensation to align with contemporary standards.
- Pilot Group Insurance: Securing better health and wellness benefits.
- Retirement Conditions: Advocating for improved terms and conditions to support pilots post-career.
These issues, as highlighted by Capt. Small, are crucial for aligning Air Transat’s terms with those of other major airlines in Canada. “Our pilots are united and ready to stand for a contract that delivers for us and secures the future of our airline. The message to management is simple: We won’t back down; it’s a matter of respect.”
About ALPA and Air Transat
Air Transat pilots play an essential role in the airline’s operations, ferrying over 2.5 million passengers each year to nearly 60 destinations across 30 countries. Established in 1931, the Air Line Pilots Association is the world’s largest airline pilot union, representing over 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines.
As these talks progress, all eyes are on Air Transat to see how the negotiations will impact both pilots and passengers. For updates on the negotiations and more aviation news, visit ALPA’s official website at ALPA.org.
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