After Yesterday’s Pilot Strike Notice, Air Transat Will Suspend All Flights by Tomorrow

Air Transat will begin to cancel flights today following a 72-hour strike notice from ALPA, the union representing the company’s 700 pilots. 

The airline’s fleet of nearly 40 planes normally carry tens of thousands of pax on more than 500 weekly flights. 

In a statement, Transat called the strike notice “a reckless decision that does not reflect the state of negotiations.” 

It added: “While a negotiated agreement remains possible, this notice requires the company to proactively implement an action plan and proceed with the gradual and orderly suspension of its operations over the next three days to prevent the consequences of a sudden, unplanned interruption.”

“This strike notice is premature given the progress made at the bargaining table and the generous offers made by Air Transat,” the company statement continued.

“We have demonstrated a serious commitment throughout the process and a sincere willingness to reach an agreement by proposing several compromises and improvements that address the pilots’ demands. Despite these efforts, ALPA has shown no openness, and the discussions have not led to an agreement. 

Air Transat says it has submitted an offer that includes a 59% salary increase over five years and major improvements to pilots’ working conditions. 

“While our priority is now to take care of our customers, we remain committed to the process in order to conclude a negotiated agreement,” said Julie Lamontagne, Chief Human Resources, Corporate Responsibility and Communications Officer.

For its part, the chair of the ALPA union’s Air Transat contingent told CTV News in a phone interview that some progress has been made, but not enough.

“It’s when we start hammering out the compensation side of it — that’s where things have become very, very difficult,” said Bradley Small.

In a press release, the union added: “Unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.”

Air Transat says it must immediately begin planning for the cancellation of its flights and the repatriation of passengers, crews, and aircraft to prevent them from being stranded abroad if the strike occurs. The goal is to bring back everyone to their point of origin.

Flight cancellations will begin progressively today, with a complete suspension by tomorrow, Transat said.. 

Information is Available for Impacted Advisors & Travellers

To see Air Transat’s information and options for customers in destination and those with upcoming travel plans, please click here .

TS has implemented a flexibility policy for customers travelling within the next five days, allowing them to change or postpone their travels at no additional cost.

Travellers are advised to check their flight stats on Transat’s website or mobile app before heading to the airport.

For advisors in Ontario who have clients with upcoming Transat bookings, TICO has provided information here.