The union representing Air Transat pilots says an overwhelming mandate of 99% has been given for a strike if the company fails to deliver what it deems a “modern contract.” The earliest a strike is legally permitted to be declared is Dec. 10 – just in time for the holidays.
Vote results were announced Dec. 2 and the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) said 98% of its 700 Transat pilots cast ballots with Capt. Bradley Small, Air Transat MEC chair, stating, “This vote sends an undeniable message to Air Transat management: We are unified, resolute, and have earned a contract that reflects today’s industry standards, not the standards from 2015.
“The 98% participation rate alone demonstrates the depth of frustration among our members, who are tired of flying under a decade-old and outdated collective agreement.”
The ALPA emphasizes that “While this is not an immediate strike notice, Air Transat pilots are prepared for any outcome. The pilots’ goals are to secure job security and to improve working conditions, compensation, and quality of life.
“Let us be clear, we do not want to strike. Our goal remains to reach an equitable agreement at the negotiating table,” said Small. “However, after nearly a year of slow bargaining and little progress, we urge management to utilize the remaining time and negotiate seriously to avoid operational and flight disruptions.”
A notice on the Air Transat ALPA Facebook site stated: “The countdown is very real. Every day without progress puts us closer to a crisis. Pilots want to keep flying, especially as the holidays approach – but not without employment contracts.”
Contract negotiations between Air Transat pilots and the airline began in January 2025. The parties left conciliation on Nov. 18 and are currently in a 21-day cooling-off period, ending Dec. 10, after which the union can file a 72-hour strike notice or management can impose a lockout.
Air Transat posted the following message on its website:
“The union representing our pilots has obtained a strike mandate, but please note that no strike notice has been issued and our operations continue as planned. Negotiations are ongoing, and we are making every effort to reach an agreement quickly. This is an absolute priority for Air Transat. Customers wishing to cancel or modify their reservation may do so according to the terms and conditions of their fare class.
“In the event of a strike notice filed by the union and the subsequent cancellation of certain flights, Air Transat will do everything possible to assist customers in returning to their point of origin. This would include the offer of a new ticket on a next available flight if such an option exists within 48 hours of the original departure time, or the refund of any unused portion of the trip.”
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.