Canadians with holiday travel plans booked through Air Transat are facing potential disruption after the airline's pilots voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. The move comes as contract negotiations have stalled, raising the spectre of cancellations during the busy festive season.
Overwhelming Mandate for Job Action
The union representing Air Transat pilots, the Airline Pilots Association, International (ALPA), announced the results of the strike vote on Wednesday. The outcome was decisive: 99% of pilots who cast a ballot voted in favour of a strike, with a remarkable 98% participation rate among the roughly 700 pilots.
In a social media update, ALPA stated, "Air Transat pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favour of going on strike if management fails to deliver our pilots with a modern contract." The union has identified core issues driving the dispute, including pilot fatigue, unpredictable schedules, and a poor work-life balance.
Timeline: When a Strike Could Begin
The path to a potential work stoppage has specific legal milestones. Conciliation talks between the union and airline management concluded on November 18. This triggered a 21-day cooling-off period, which is set to expire on December 10.
Once that deadline passes, the union gains the legal right to issue a 72-hour strike notice. Alternatively, the company could lock out the pilots. This means the earliest a strike could begin is December 13, squarely in the middle of the holiday travel rush.
"Pilots want to keep flying, especially with the holidays coming, but we can’t do that without a contract," the union warned late last month.
Airline Response and Passenger Advice
Air Transat has responded to the vote, emphasizing that operations continue normally for now. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Montreal-based carrier said, "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."
The airline is advising customers to review the terms and conditions of their tickets, which allow for modifications or cancellations. In the event of a strike and subsequent flight cancellations, Air Transat has committed to assisting affected passengers. The company's policy is to either rebook travellers on the next available flight within 48 hours of the original departure or provide a refund for the unused portion of the trip.
Passengers with upcoming bookings are encouraged to monitor the situation closely and stay in contact with the airline for the latest updates as the December 10 deadline approaches.
