Air Transat reports progress in talks with its pilots’ union, despite ongoing disagreements over wage increases. The airline’s recent proposal to the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. includes a 59% wage hike over five years along with significant enhancements to working conditions. However, ALPA Canada President, Capt. Tim Perry, disputes this figure, deeming it inaccurately reported by the company.
Dave Bourdages, Air Transat’s Vice President of Flight Operations, defended the 59% average increase, stating that individual pilot salaries within the pay scale may vary slightly above or below that mark. The airline’s communication director, Andréan Gagné, clarified that the offer boosts total compensation by an average of 59% per pay scale over a five-year period.
Negotiations for a new collective agreement, initiated in January, are ongoing, with both parties working around the clock. ALPA has issued a 72-hour strike notice, setting a potential job action for Wednesday at 3 a.m. ET. Air Transat remains hopeful for a resolution and urges the union to consider their generous offer to minimize disruptions.
As of now, flights scheduled for December 8 will proceed as planned, but operations may wind down if an agreement is not reached by the following day. The current negotiations aim to replace the 2015 agreement, addressing various concerns such as wages, benefits, work rules, and job security. ALPA Canada Vice President, Capt. Louis-Éric Mongrain, expressed commitment to reaching an agreement before the strike deadline, emphasizing the importance of mutual negotiations over arbitration for the benefit of all involved parties.