Canadian leisure airline Air Transat is bracing for major travel disruptions as its pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have served a 72-hour strike notice. The parent company, Transat AT, announced that flights will be gradually suspended between December 8 and 9 to mitigate the impact on passengers.
Strike Timeline and Airline's Response
The union has stated that the industrial action could commence as early as 3:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, December 10. In response to the looming crisis, the airline has labelled the strike notice as "premature," citing ongoing negotiations and significant progress at the bargaining table.
Air Transat has put forward a proposal it believes is substantial, including a 59% salary increase for pilots spread over five years, coupled with improvements to working conditions. The airline expressed disappointment that the union opted for a strike threat despite these offers of compromise.
Union's Stance and Passenger Safeguards
Bradley Small, who chairs the Air Transat Master Executive Council for ALPA, issued a firm statement. "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," Small declared.
Transat AT confirmed that while it continues to work intensively with the union to secure a last-minute deal and prevent a walkout, it has made the proactive decision to fully halt operations by December 9. This measure is specifically designed to prevent passengers and airline crews from being stranded at airports across the network.
Implications for Travelers
The impending suspension affects all flights operated under the Air Transat brand, a key player in Canada's leisure travel market. The airline is a subsidiary of the publicly listed Transat AT Inc. Passengers booked on Air Transat flights from December 8 onwards are advised to monitor official communications from the airline for updates on cancellations and rebooking options.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions in the aviation sector regarding pilot contracts and working conditions, following similar disputes globally. The outcome of the negotiations in the coming days will determine the extent of holiday travel disruption for thousands of customers.
