Canada’s Air Transat will gradually suspend flights between Dec. 8 and 9 following a 72-hour strike notice from ALPA, the union representing the company’s 700 pilots, Canadian travel agency Transat AT said Sunday.
Air Transat pilots could begin a strike at 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday, December 10, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) said in a statement.
The Canadian leisure carrier called the strike announcement “premature” given progress at the bargaining table and said it had proposed compromises, including a 59% pay increase over five years and improved working conditions.
“There is still time to avoid strike action, but unless there is significant progress at the negotiating table, we will strike if necessary to achieve a modern contract,” said Bradley Small, chairman of Air Transat Master’s executive board.
Air Transat is working with the union to reach an agreement and avoid a blackout, but will halt operations completely until Dec. 9 to prevent passengers and crew from being stranded, Transat AT said.
Transat AT Inc offers air transportation under the Air Transat brand.
