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The union representing Air Transat pilots is trying to leverage the airline’s first-quarter financial results and a favourable contract for flight attendants in their push for a new collective agreement.
The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) issued a statement March 14, after Transat A.T., the airline’s parent company, reported 17.7 per cent year-over-year revenue growth in 1Q 2024.
The pilots union also noted favourable terms for flight attendants in a new deal they ratified last month.
“We are pleased that the flight attendants have reached a new collective agreement that makes them the highest-paid flight attendants in Canada,” said Capt Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat ALPA Master Executive Council.
“Beyond improving the wages of its flight attendants, we acknowledge Air Transat management for improving work-life balance and workplace safety, which has reduced fatigue on overnight flights.”
In its first-quarter financial release, Transat president and CEO Annick Guerard said “persisting speculation” of a strike by flight attendants affected bookings and yield for the winter season.
“We are pleased that the adoption of a new collective agreement … removed this uncertainty,” said Guerard.
Air Transat pilots are positioning their own contract status as another potential source of uncertainty.
“Our pilots encourage Air Transat management to work with us to avoid any uncertainty for our passengers, pilots, and airline colleagues by negotiating a long-overdue new collective agreement that reflects Canada’s shifting airline landscape and recognizes that pilots offer a unique, sought-after skill set,” said Bradley Small.
“Our contribution to the airline’s stability and success and our company’s commitment to reducing fatigue will enable Air Transat to continue its growth strategy by retaining and attracting pilots well into the future.”
