Air Transat says that “progress has been made” in negotiations with the union representing its pilots though the two sides still disagree on wage increases.
The airline said in a statement on Sunday that its most recent offer to the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. includes a 59 per cent wage increase over five years with “major improvements” to working conditions.
The union takes issue with that figure, which it says is “flatly inaccurate,” according to Capt. Tim Perry, the president of ALPA Canada.
“If we had 59 per cent on the table from the company, we would be taking it to our members. It would be irresponsible not to,” said Perry during an interview with CBC News on Monday.
Union leader takes questions about state of talks with Air Transat
The airline stands by that number, said Dave Bourdages, vice-president of flight operations at Air Transat. But he acknowledged during an interview with CBC News that it’s an “average.”
“When inside the pay scale, of course, you can have some pilots that are a little bit lower than the 59 per cent, some are a little bit higher than that,” said Bourdages. “We also recognize previous years of experience. But overall, the 59 per cent average does stand.”
CBC has reached out to the union to clarify the discrepancy on the wage hike estimate.
Air Transat VP on flight disruptions, contract talks with pilots
The two parties, which began talks toward a new collective agreement in January, have both said they are negotiating around the clock, with pilots prepared to walk off the job as soon as 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday. ALPA issued a 72-hour strike notice on Sunday.
“We are working tirelessly and still hope to reach an agreement during the day to minimize operational disruptions,” said Andréan Gagné, the senior director of communications, public affairs and corporate responsibility at Air Transat, in an email to CBC News on Monday.
The discussions will continue today, added Gagné. “We aim to find a reasonable consensus, and it is up to the union to take a step toward us considering the generous offer we have put on the table.”
Air Transat pilots’ union issues 72-hour strike notice
Flights scheduled for Dec. 8 will operate as planned for now, according to Air Transat. The airline previously said it would begin a gradual shutdown of operations in anticipation of a strike.
“That being said, if we don’t have an agreement by [Tuesday], we will wind down the operation,” he warned.
Air Transat and ALPA are aiming to replace an agreement that was negotiated in 2015 and expired at the end of April. Among the issues at play are wages, benefits, work rules and job security, according to the union.
Capt. Louis-Éric Mongrain, a vice-president at ALPA Canada, told CBC News on Monday that the union is committed to achieving an agreement “before the strike deadline on Wednesday.”
“There’s still a split, but it’s narrowing by the minute. So that’s a good thing,” said Mongrain.
He said the union would not want to see the two sides end up in arbitration.
“Arbitration is never good because arbitration sets rules,” said Mongrain. “We want to see deals that are negotiated by both parties at the table. It’s better for everybody involved. It’s better for the public and it’s better for labour in Canada in general.”
