Air Transat Pilots Announce 72-Hour Strike Notice to Montreal Airline
The union representing Air Transat pilots has announced a 72-hour strike notice, raising the possibility of action as soon as Wednesday. This announcement follows a recent vote in which pilots demonstrated overwhelming support for a potential strike.
Strike Notice Details
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) delivered the notice, emphasizing their continued desire to negotiate with Air Transat management. Captain Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, expressed that striking is not the preferred option. However, he stated that management’s actions have compelled the union to take this step.
Negotiation Background
Discussions between ALPA and Air Transat began in January, well in advance of the expiration of the current contract in 2015. Key issues on the table include:
- Competitive pay
- Enhanced benefits
- Work regulations
- Job security
Small noted that there remains time to avert a strike, but stressed that significant progress must be made before Wednesday to avoid disruption.
Current Sentiment Among Pilots
With a remarkable 99 percent of pilots voting in favor of a strike mandate, the union’s resolve is evident. The aim is to secure a modern contract that reflects industry standards.
As the situation develops, both pilots and management are under pressure to reach a satisfactory resolution before the proposed strike date approaches.
