Canadian carrier Air Transat has initiated a phased suspension of its flight operations in anticipation of an imminent pilot strike scheduled to commence Wednesday. This preventive measure follows a 72-hour strike notice issued Sunday by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing approximately 750 pilots employed by the airline.
The conflict stems from prolonged contract negotiations that have persisted for nearly a year, with pilots seeking substantial improvements to their 2015 agreement. Key demands include industry-standard compensation packages, enhanced benefits, revised work regulations, and strengthened job security provisions. The union reported an overwhelming 99% authorization vote among its members supporting potential strike action.
Air Transat management has characterized the strike notice as premature, citing recent progress in negotiations and what they describe as generous offers presented to pilots. Julie Lamontagne, the airline’s human resources officer, expressed disappointment with the union’s decision, accusing them of demonstrating indifference toward the company through what she termed a reckless authorization that misrepresents the current state of discussions.
In contrast, union representative Captain Bradley Small asserted that management had left pilots with no alternative after months of unproductive bargaining. He emphasized that no pilot desires to strike but maintained that airline executives would bear responsibility for any resulting flight cancellations and passenger disruptions should an agreement remain elusive.
This labor dispute represents the second significant confrontation between Air Transat and its workforce in recent years, following a narrowly averted strike by flight dispatchers in 2024 under similar circumstances. The airline’s proactive cancellation strategy aims to prevent crews, aircraft, and passengers from becoming stranded internationally should the strike proceed as threatened.