Air Transat Pilots File Notice of Dispute with Federal Government Following Stalled Negotiations
Montreal, P.Q.—After nine months of negotiations without meaningful progress, the Air Transat Master Executive Council, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), has filed a Notice of Dispute with the Federal Minister of Labour and the Federal Mediation Service of Canada as contemplated by s.71 of the Canada Labour Code.
Since the start of negotiations in January 2025, Air Transat’s pilot-led Negotiating Committee has invested over 400 hours—spanning 50 full days—at the bargaining table. “Unfortunately, the company’s team has failed to engage and show willingness to advance the negotiation progress at an acceptable pace,” said Captain Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat MEC. “Our team has been ready to work since day one. What we need now is a fully committed and responsive partner on the other side of the table.”
Following the filing of the Notice of Dispute, the Minister of Labour will have up to fifteen days to appoint a federal conciliator; thereafter, the parties will be obligated to meet for a minimum of 60 days while the conciliator attempts to assist both parties in reaching an agreement.
“We are not walking away,” said Capt. Small. “Our goal remains a modern contract—one that reflects the realities of today’s industry, ensures fair compensation, enshrines job protections, and improves the quality of life for our pilots.”
Air Transat pilots have been operating without contractual improvements for over a decade and currently lack the job protections, fair remuneration, and quality-of-life standards that have become the norm across the industry. “It’s time for management to match our commitment,” said Capt. Small. “Our pilots are united and ready to achieve the modern contract we’ve earned.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
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