Air Transat winds down operations as pilots issue strike notice  

A warning of flight disruption has been issued as pilots at Canadian airline Air Transat voted to strike.

 

The airline confirmed that a walkout could start on Wednesday (December 10) after the Air Line Pilots Association (Alpa) union representing the airline’s 700 pilots issued a strike notice on Sunday, which may be exercised within 72 hours. 

 

“This means the strike could officially begin on December 10, and our flight operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached,” a statement said. 

 

“This notice compels us to implement an action plan that includes the gradual and orderly shutdown of our operations over the next three days.

 

“We understand that this situation may cause uncertainty and concern. Our priority is to remain transparent, to support you, and to answer any questions you may have.

 

“Negotiations are ongoing, and our goal remains to reach an agreement so we can maintain our flights as much as possible and minimise disruptions.”

 

The aim is to "prevent the consequences of a sudden, unplanned interruption”.

 

Air Transat serves the UK and Ireland with mainly summer season flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin to Canada.

 

The Montreal-based carrier noted that it made an offer that includes a 59% salary increase over five years and “major improvements” to pilots’ working conditions following a “complete overhaul of the collective agreement that resulted in agreements on all standard clauses”.

 

The airline said: “The union’s demands are considered unreasonable, and its premature actions carry serious consequences for customers, the company, and its 4,300 other employees.”

 

Alpa chair of the Air Transat master executive council Bradley Small said: “There is still time to avoid a strike but unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.

 

“No pilot wants to strike, but Air Transat management has left us no choice. 

 

"Months of unproductive bargaining ends now. If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every cancelled flight and stranded passenger."  

The airline’s chief human resources, corporate responsibility and communications officer Julie Lamontagne said: "This strike notice is premature given the progress made at the bargaining table and the generous offers made by Air Transat. 

 

“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, Alap has shown no openness, and the discussions have not led to an agreement. 

 

“It is regrettable that the union has expressed such indifference toward Transat, its employees and clients by choosing the path of a strike at this time of year - a reckless decision that does not reflect the state of negotiations. 

 

“While our priority is now to take care of our customers, we remain committed to the process in order to conclude a negotiated agreement.”