Impending Strike Looms Over Air Transat: Flights to Suspend Amid Pilot Walkout

Canada's Air Transat plans to halt flights between December 8 and 9 due to a 72-hour strike notice by ALPA, representing 700 pilots. Despite bargaining progress, the union threatens a strike for better contracts. Transat AT aims to prevent disruptions and is working towards a resolution.

Canada's Air Transat is set to temporarily suspend flights between December 8 and 9 following a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the airline's 700 pilots, announced Transat AT. The strike could begin as soon as 3:00 a.m. ET on December 10.

The leisure airline labeled the strike notice as 'premature' given ongoing bargaining progress. It highlighted proposals, including a 59% salary hike over five years and improved working conditions. Despite these offers, ALPA's Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, stated that the union is prepared to strike for a modern contract.

While efforts to resolve the issue continue, Air Transat will cease operations by December 9 to prevent passengers and crews from being left stranded, according to Transat AT, which operates the airline under the Air Transat brand.

(With inputs from agencies.)