Travellers may be feeling uneasy as another potential strike looms, threatening flight disruptions. Air Transat recently announced a gradual shutdown of operations over the next three days in response to a 72-hour strike mandate issued by the union representing its 750 pilots. This development comes after a previous strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August.
Air Transat pilots could initiate their strike as early as Wednesday at 3 a.m. ET, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The airline stated that flights will be suspended gradually between Monday and Tuesday, with a focus on minimizing disruptions for customers.
Geraint Harvey, an expert at Western University, emphasized the significant disruption caused by strikes, particularly during the holiday season when people travel to be with loved ones.
Regarding flight operations, Air Transat expects cancellations to start on Monday and escalate by Tuesday, affecting travel plans until Friday. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to travellers during this busy period.
Passengers affected by flight cancellations will be notified directly and refunded accordingly. The company’s priority is to repatriate travellers to their destinations, with additional flights scheduled for this purpose.
As of now, flights scheduled for Monday are operating as planned, with some cancellations reported for the next two days at various Canadian airports Air Transat operates in.
Air Transat is offering flexibility to customers traveling within the next five days, allowing them to change or postpone their trips without extra charges. The airline also provides detailed instructions on cancellations and refunds for different booking scenarios.
In the event of a full strike, Air Transat promises to assist customers in returning to their point of origin, offering alternatives like rebooking on the next available flight or refunds for unused portions of the trip.
Regarding compensation, regulations state that cancellations or delays due to labor actions may not qualify for monetary compensation. However, passengers’ rights depend on the circumstances, and the airline is expected to find suitable solutions for affected travellers.
Negotiations between Air Transat and ALPA are ongoing to address various issues such as wages, benefits, work rules, and job security. Both parties are working towards a new collective agreement, with progress reported in the talks. Efforts are being made to reach an agreement and minimize operational disruptions.
The airline and the union continue negotiations with hopes of avoiding a strike by resolving significant issues in the offer. The parties are striving to find common ground to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth operations for travellers.
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