Air Transat is currently in negotiations with its pilots, but the situation is tense. The union representing the pilots has issued a strike notice that could take effect Wednesday. This has raised significant concerns among travelers, especially following the recent strike at Air Canada.
Strike Notice and Potential Disruptions
A strike notice was submitted on Sunday, indicating that flight cancellations may begin on December 8, with a complete service halt expected by December 9. Air Transat has warned that disruptions will persist until an agreement is reached.
Concerns from Travelers
Many travelers have expressed their worries about the strike. Eric Boissonneault, vice-president of the Quebec Travel Agents Association, has reported receiving numerous calls from anxious clients. With the possibility of cancellations looming, passengers are rushing to change their travel plans.
Negotiations and Salary Increase Proposals
Despite the strike threat, negotiations between the union and Air Transat are ongoing. The airline has proposed a salary increase of 59% over five years and improvements to working conditions. However, the company has criticized the union’s demands as unreasonable and its actions as premature.
Current Labour Relations Context
The pilots argue their salaries and working conditions fall below industry standards. Their current collective agreement expired in April and had previously been extended twice, primarily due to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Union’s Position and Mediation Efforts
According to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), pilots are seeking better pay and work conditions. Commander Bradley Small, chairman of the executive council at Air Transat, indicated that a strike would be a last resort, but one that may be unavoidable without progress in negotiations.
Pierre Karl Péladeau, representing Financière Outremont Inc., which owns nearly 10% of Transat’s shares, has offered to mediate between the pilots and management. He emphasized the importance of resolving the collective agreement to prevent jeopardizing the company’s operations.
Expert Opinions on Strike Likelihood
Mehran Ebrahimi, a professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a strike. He believes that the cost of a strike would surpass the expense of meeting the union’s salary demands, thus favoring a resolution.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers scheduled to fly with Air Transat before December 12 can opt for a travel credit valid for 12 months. The airline advises those who might be affected by cancellations to stay in contact with their travel agents for further assistance.
- Travelers Options:
- Cancel reservations for flights before December 12 for a full credit.
- Changes apply for flights on December 13 and later as per standard policies.
- Compensation for Cancellations:
- Air Transat will offer rebooking options or refunds for canceled flights.
- For vacation packages, additional expenses incurred will be covered by the airline.
The priority for both Air Transat and the pilots remains to find a solution that averts a strike. With significant stakes for travelers and the airline alike, the negotiations continue to unfold as both sides work to reach an agreement.
