The notice, issued on Sunday, has prompted Air Transat to initiate a gradual suspension of operations over the next three days to prevent the consequences of a sudden, unplanned interruption.
According to Julie Lamontagne, Chief Human Resources,
Corporate Responsibility and Communications Officer at Air Transat, the strike
notice is premature, given the progress made at the bargaining table and the company's generous offers. Air Transat has proposed several
compromises and improvements that address the pilots' demands, including a 59%
salary increase over five years and major improvements to pilots' working
conditions.
Despite these efforts, ALPA has shown no openness, and the
discussions have not led to an agreement. Lamontagne expressed regret that the
union chose the path of a strike at this time of year, which she described as a
"reckless decision" that does not reflect the state of negotiations.
As a result of the strike notice, Air Transat will begin planning for the cancellation of its flights and the repatriation of passengers, crews, and aircraft to prevent them from being stranded abroad if the strike occurs. Flight cancellations will begin progressively on Monday, with a complete suspension by Tuesday. A notice on Air Transat's website states the strike could formally begin on Wednesday, and operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached.
The goal is to bring everyone back to their point of origin, the company said in a press statement.
Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat has major hubs in Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport.
