Why is Air Transat suspending flights?

Air Transat is suspending flights due to a 72-hour strike notice issued by its pilots' union, potentially impacting operations starting Wednesday.

When could Air Transat pilots go on strike?

Air Transat pilots could go on strike on Wednesday if a contract agreement is not reached.

What are the Air Transat pilots negotiating?

Air Transat pilots are negotiating for a new contract to replace their 2015 agreement, seeking industry-standard pay, benefits, work rules, and job security.

Home / Business and Economy / Air Transat Flights Grounded as Pilot Strike Looms

Air Transat Flights Grounded as Pilot Strike Looms

8 Dec

•

Summary

Air Transat is gradually suspending flights ahead of a potential pilot strike.
Pilots issued a 72-hour strike notice, threatening work stoppage Wednesday.
Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing for nearly a year.

Air Transat Flights Grounded as Pilot Strike Looms

Air Transat is initiating a gradual suspension of its flight operations starting Monday, in anticipation of a potential pilots' strike. The airline's pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday. If a contract agreement isn't reached by Wednesday, pilots plan to cease working, prompting the airline's proactive measure to mitigate the impact of an unplanned interruption.

The pilots' union seeks to replace their 2015 contract with updated terms covering pay, benefits, work rules, and job security, with 99% of its 750 members voting to authorize a strike. However, Air Transat has labeled the strike notice as premature, citing progress in negotiations and generous offers made by the company. The airline emphasized that flight cancellations are necessary to prevent passengers and crew from being stranded internationally.