MONTREAL — Air Transat has announced it has received a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing its pilots, signaling potential disruption to flights. The airline has confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, it must begin winding down operations in anticipation of a possible strike, which could commence on December 10.
The announcement came early on December 7, with Air Transat advising customers of anticipated disruptions and urging them to visit its FAQ page for updates. According to the airline, operations will experience interruptions until an agreement is reached with the pilots’ union.
In its statement, Air Transat elaborated, “The union representing our pilots has informed us of a strike notice today. This notice means a strike could start as early as December 10, leading to potential disruptions in our flight operations.” The airline emphasized the urgency of the situation, as it undertakes an “orderly shutdown” of its operations over the coming days.
The pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued their own statement highlighting that there remains an opportunity to avert a strike. Capt. Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC), noted, “Unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if necessary to secure a modern contract.” This reflection from the union portrays a willingness to negotiate while maintaining the option of a strike.
As this situation unfolds, both Air Transat and the pilots’ union are committed to transparency and supporting passengers during this uncertainty. Passengers are encouraged to check Air Transat’s Strike Notice FAQ page for real-time updates and information related to their travel plans.
It is crucial for passengers to stay informed, especially as the December 10 date approaches, to ensure they can adapt their travel arrangements accordingly. The airline aims to minimize disruptions and continue flights as much as possible while seeking to resolve the ongoing discussions with its pilots.
