Air Transat Pilots Begin New Contract Talks with Management

Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have officially initiated new contract negotiations with the airline’s management, signaling a pivotal moment for the Canadian carrier. On January 6, 2025, ALPA announced that the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC) formally notified Air Transat management of their intention to renegotiate the existing collective agreement, which dates back to 2015.

ALPA, a prominent union representing over 79,000 pilots across 42 US and Canadian airlines, is leading the charge to ensure that Air Transat’s pilot contracts align with current industry standards. Bradley Small, Chair of Air Transat MEC, emphasized the need for updated terms, stating, “We have a collective agreement that dates back to 2015. We will negotiate a contract that reflects the current standard within Canada’s aviation sector, similar to those recently negotiated by Air Canada and WestJet.”

The pilots have identified several key issues to address in the new negotiations, including employment protection, salary conditions, pilot group insurance, and retirement benefits. ALPA argues that these areas have not kept pace with advancements seen in other Canadian airlines, citing a lack of career progression and inadequate quality-of-life provisions as significant concerns. “Our pilots are united and ready to stand for a contract that delivers for us and secures the future of our airline,” Small added. “The message to management is simple: We won’t back down; it’s a matter of respect.”

Initial discussions for the new contract began in December 2024, following the release of Transat A.T.’s fourth-quarter earnings report. On December 12, 2024, Transat A.T. announced that its revenues for Q4 2024 reached $788.8 million, marking a 3.2% increase from $764.5 million in the same period last year. This financial performance provided the impetus for the pilots to seek improved contractual terms, as the company demonstrated growth despite the challenging aviation landscape.

Air Transat pilots have expressed their readiness to engage in negotiations at the start of 2025, emphasizing their unity and determination to achieve favorable outcomes. “We want to remind management of the negative impact of prolonged negotiations with the flight attendants and mechanics,” Small remarked during the initial announcement of the negotiations.

Air Transat plays a crucial role in the Canadian aviation market, serving over 2.5 million passengers annually and operating flights to nearly 60 destinations across 30 countries. The pilots’ demands aim to enhance their working conditions and ensure that Air Transat remains competitive and attractive for both current and future employees.

The negotiation process is expected to involve detailed discussions on various aspects of pilot employment, including but not limited to, wage increases, improved benefits, and better working conditions. ALPA’s involvement ensures that the pilots have a strong and experienced advocate to negotiate on their behalf, leveraging industry standards and best practices to secure a comprehensive and fair contract.

As the negotiations unfold, stakeholders within Air Transat and the broader aviation industry will be closely monitoring the developments. Successful negotiations could set a benchmark for other airlines in Canada, potentially leading to broader industry-wide improvements in pilot contracts and working conditions.

In the meantime, Air Transat remains committed to maintaining high service standards and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its passengers. The company has assured that operations will continue smoothly during the negotiation period, with pilots and management working towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

For updates on the contract negotiations and further developments, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to follow official announcements from ALPA and Air Transat. The outcome of these negotiations will play a significant role in shaping the future of Air Transat’s workforce and its position within the competitive landscape of the aviation industry.

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