Air Transat Faces Potential Strike on Wednesday but Discussions Continue
Air Transat is currently in negotiations with its pilots, facing the possibility of a strike that could begin on Wednesday. The union representing the pilots has issued a strike notice, intensifying concerns among travelers just months after a similar situation occurred with Air Canada.
Potential Strike Update
A strike could lead to flight cancellations starting December 8, with a complete stop scheduled for December 9. Air Transat stated that disruptions would continue until an agreement is reached.
Travelers Express Concerns
Travelers are growing anxious as the deadline approaches. Éric Boissonneault, vice-president of the Association of Travel Agents of Quebec, noted that he has received numerous calls from concerned passengers since Sunday morning.
- Many are seeking to exchange their flight tickets to avoid disruptions.
- Some passengers, particularly those returning from destinations like Florida, have expressed urgency due to medical appointments in Quebec.
Negotiation Status
Negotiations are ongoing, with both parties involved. Air Transat claims to have offered a salary increase of 59% over five years, along with significant improvements to pilots’ working conditions.
The airline criticized the union’s demands as unreasonable and warned that their actions could have serious consequences. Meanwhile, pilots argue that their compensation and working conditions fall below industry standards.
Current Labor Agreement
The collective agreement between Air Transat and its pilots expired in April of this year. Originally signed in 2015, it was extended twice due to a failed merger attempt with Air Canada and the need for a recovery plan post-COVID-19.
Importance of Resolve
Both the airline and the pilots’ union aim to avoid a strike. Commander Bradley Small, president of the union’s executive council, emphasized that no pilot wishes to strike but may be forced to if negotiations do not yield significant progress.
Pierre Karl Péladeau from Financière Outremont Inc., which owns a stake in Transat, has offered to mediate discussions to help reach a resolution.
Expert Opinions on Strike Likelihood
Mehran Ebrahimi, a professor at the University of Quebec at Montreal, believes that a strike is unlikely. He argues that the costs associated with a strike would exceed those of meeting the pilots’ salary demands.
Both parties expressed optimism that an agreement can still be reached to avert disruption.
Traveler Options
Passengers booked with Air Transat for travel through December 12 can cancel their reservations for a one-year travel credit. For those traveling after December 12, standard modification and cancellation policies apply.
- Customers should contact their travel agencies for assistance.
- If a flight is canceled, Air Transat aims to provide a new ticket on the next available flight within 48 hours.
- Travelers may opt for a refund instead of rebooking.
For those currently at destinations, the airline will cover additional expenses incurred due to extended stays but will not reimburse losses for unused activities booked with outside providers.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about flight statuses through the official Air Transat website.
