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Tag: Air Line Pilots Association, Canada

  • Cargojet Pilots Respond to Comments on Contract Negotiations

    3 April 2026

    HAMILTON, Ont.—Capt. Adam Brochu, Cargojet Master Executive Council (MEC) chair issued the following statement in response to comments made by 21 Air and Houston Astros owner Jim Crane. On Thursday, Crane publicly stated Cargojet is selling its stake in 21 Air because it doesn’t want its pilot union to exploit the relationship in negotiations over a new labour contract, which, if true, undermines the integrity of the negotiations and the growth both management and the Association have shown throughout this process.

    “We have approached negotiations in good faith and collaborated with our company’s management to achieve contract terms that include the industry protections common to our fellow pilots in Canada and while securing a fair contract that reflects our value to this airline. Besides many of our pilots being shareholders, we are the ones who ensure Cargojet maintains its valuable reputation amongst its clients, as we perform the work of flying those planes. 

    “To diminish our duty to bargain as an attempt to exploit billion and, in some cases, multibillion dollar businesses is not only offensive but a complete affront to the value of labour and the men and women who dedicate their lives to such work.

    “Our hope is that Mr. Crane’s statements are not an accurate reflection of what actually occurred—as that, in our eyes, would be an intentional attempt to diminish the value of the company with the sole purpose of derailing negotiations or restricting the pilots’ ability to seek fair compensation. On our part, we will continue to negotiate for the interests of our pilots.”

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org

  • Canadian North Pilots Reach Tentative Agreement

    OTTAWA, Ont.—Today, Canadian North pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Canadian North management after over six months of negotiating their seventh collective agreement. Over the next few weeks, the agreement will be shared with the entire pilot group, then a member ratification vote will take place.

    “Until now, Canadian North pilots lagged behind other ALPA carriers in scheduling and compensation,” said Canadian North Master Executive Council chair First Officer Steven Bard. “This tentative agreement recognizes the value of our specialized technical skillset, which is required to fly the rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions of the Canadian Arctic. I am proud of the hard work from the Negotiating Committee in achieving this fair contract.”

    Key elements of the tentative agreement include a reduction in the number of hours each pilot flies per month, as well as the number of days worked, and moving from a salary-based compensation system to a traditional credit-based system. Both sides have also demonstrated good faith towards short-term improvements to Iqaluit accommodations, with a shared goal of a long-term strategy.

    “Management has listened to us: That in order to keep Canadian North flying, they needed to offer improvements to our working conditions,” Bard continued. “The gains we have achieved with this tentative agreement will now align us with our industry peers and help make Canadian North a career destination.”

    Canadian North operates scheduled passenger and cargo services throughout the Canadian Arctic, providing workforce transportation for the oil and gas industry, as well as ad-hoc charters in Canada and the U.S.

  • Air Transat Pilots Overwhelmingly Ratify Five-Year Contract

    6 January 2026

    MONTREAL, Que.—Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year employment contract, marking the group’s first negotiated agreement in more than a decade. Of the 98 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots, 91 percent voted in favour of the agreement, which now improves their competitive position within the Canadian airline industry and establishes a stronger foundation going forward.

    “Our pilots came together with professionalism and purpose to secure an agreement that reflects who we are and the essential role we play in our airline’s success,” said Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat ALPA Master Executive Council. “While it was unfortunate that this level of pressure was required, it was our unity that ultimately delivered results.”

    The strong turnout reflects pilot engagement and sets the stage for continued collaboration with management. Over the past year, Air Transat pilots demonstrated their resolve through coordinated informational picketing at both Toronto and Montreal bases, the opening of a strike center, and the issuance of a 72-hour strike notice, backed by an overwhelming strike mandate. The deal was reached less than 12 hours before a potential strike, highlighting the effectiveness of the pilots’ solidarity.

    “For years, Air Transat pilots have gone above and beyond through industry uncertainty and other challenges no one could have predicted,” Small continued. “Through dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to safety, our pilots helped carry this airline forward. This agreement recognizes that contribution and the value pilots bring every day.”

    The new agreement is a five-year deal backdated to May 1, 2025, and will expire on April 30, 2030.

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines, including 725 Air Transat pilots.

  • ALPA Canada Pilots Make Their Case on Parliament Hill

    4 December 2025 – OTTAWA, Ont.—ALPA Canada leadership was joined this week by elected ALPA representatives from across Canada to speak with Members of Parliament and Senators on Parliament Hill. The topics of discussion focused on flight- and duty-time (FT/DT) issues and the impact of governmental interference in the collective bargaining process.  

    ALPA Canada continues to advocate for continued discussion and collaboration on the effectiveness of the current regulations and whether they effectively mitigate fatigue, enhance safety, and meet their original intent.

    “ALPA Canada opposes any attempt to weaken or suspend FT/DT regulations, which are fundamentally safety regulations,” said Capt. Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president. “We believe there is a need for increased collaboration with government and aviation stakeholders to collectively enhance safety standards.”

    ALPA Canada is also calling for the implementation of a more transparent and inclusive policy-making process to ensure that all relevant parties, including ALPA Canada, have the opportunity to contribute to discussions and decisions regarding aviation policy and regulations.

    Regarding free and fair collective bargaining, ALPA Canada has witnessed, over the past two years, a worrying trend of the Canadian government forcing outcomes at the bargaining table, thereby playing into underhanded employer tactics by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to settlethe outstanding terms of the collective agreements between employers and workers, while imposing final binding arbitration.

    “ALPA Canada believes it is always in the best interests of both sides to negotiate contracts in good faith at the negotiating table,” Capt. Perry continued. “When parties are directed to bargain in good faith and remain at the bargaining table to put in the hard work required, a better outcome is often reached for all sides involved.” 

    ALPA remains committed to working with the government and other aviation stakeholders to ensure Canadians have the safest and most robust aviation industry possible.   

    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

  • Air Transat Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

    MONTREAL, P.Q.—Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), voted overwhelmingly to strike if continuing negotiations with Air Transat management fail to produce a modern contract.

    Of the 98 percent of eligible pilots who could vote, 99 percent voted in favour of a strike, if necessary. This result provides the Air Transat Master Executive Council (MEC) with the authority to declare a strike when legally permitted, which could be as early as the morning of December 10.

    “This vote sends an undeniable message to Air Transat management: We are unified, resolute, and have earned a contract that reflects today’s industry standards, not the standards from 2015,” said Capt. Bradley Small, Air Transat MEC chair. “The 98 percent participation rate alone demonstrates the depth of frustration among our members, who are tired of flying under a decade-old and outdated collective agreement.”

    While this is not an immediate strike notice, Air Transat pilots are prepared for any outcome. The pilots’ goals are to secure job security and to improve working conditions, compensation, and quality of life.

    “Let us be clear, we do not want to strike. Our goal remains to reach an equitable agreement at the negotiating table,” said Small. “However, after nearly a year of slow bargaining and little progress, we urge management to utilize the remaining time and negotiate seriously to avoid operational and flight disruptions.”

    Contract negotiations between Air Transat pilots and the airline began in January 2025. The parties left conciliation on November 18 and are currently in a 21-day cooling-off period, ending December 7, after which the union can file a 72-hour strike notice or management can impose a lockout.

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 80,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the United States and Canada.

  • Air Transat Pilots Open Strike Vote, Picket in Montreal and Toronto

    17 November 2025

    MONTREAL, Que.—As the clock ticks down to a potential strike, hundreds of Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), conducted informational picketing today in three key locations, the same day that the pilots began voting on a strike authorization ballot.

    Well over 450 Air Transat pilots, joined by pilots from Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, Porter, and a dozen U.S. airlines, attended the informational pickets at Pierre Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Air Transat’s corporate headquarters in Montreal.

    “Today the Air Transat pilots showed their unity and resolve, supported by their fellow union pilots from across North America,” said Capt. Bradley Small, chair of the Air Transat ALPA Master Executive Council. “At the same time, they now have the opportunity to vote on whether to go on strike if negotiations fail to produce a modern contract by December 10.”

    The Air Transat pilots opened contract negotiations with the airline in January of this year. The parties entered conciliation on September 19, which is expected to continue until November 18. If an agreement is not reached by then, a 21-day cooling-off period will begin the next day, November 19. The cooling-off period would end on December 10, after which time the union can declare a strike or management can impose a lockout.

    The strike ballot for Air Transat’s more than 700 pilots opened today and runs until December 2. If approved, it would give union leadership the authority to declare a strike when legally authorized to do so.

    The pilots’ goals are to achieve industry-standard pay, working conditions, and quality of life. Still, the two sides remain far apart on most key issues, with management bargaining slowly, as the deadline for a possible strike draws near.

    “We showed today that we are fully prepared to walk out if that’s what it takes to improve our outdated, decade-old contract.” Small said. “We demand a modern contract, and we hope that management recognizes our resolve and comes back to the table ready to bargain in earnest.”

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 80,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org.

  • Air Inuit Pilots Approve New Collective Agreement

    17 Sepember 2025

    MONTREAL, PQ— Earlier today, the pilots of Air Inuit, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), ratified their first collective agreement between Air Inuit and ALPA. With an impressive 92% of eligible pilots who voted, 94% did so in favor of the agreement. The four-year contract establishes a strong foundation that reflects the realities of operating in Nunavik and northern Quebec, while supporting pilot retention and long-term stability for the airline.

    “This contract is the result of more than a year of determined and focused negotiations, supported every step of the way by a united and engaged pilot group,” said Capt. Louis-Philippe Desmarais, chair of the Air Inuit ALPA Master Executive Council. “It delivers meaningful progress on salaries, benefits, paid leave, and career progression, while directly addressing the retention challenges to the reliability of northern air service.”

    The new collective agreement also acknowledges the demanding and unique operating environment of Nunavik by introducing significant improvements to scheduling that enhance pilots’ quality of life and align more closely with industry practices. To support long-term career development and retention, pilots will receive a fixed amount as retroactive compensation, benefits tied to experience, as well as modernized contract language to ensure stability and operational continuity.

    “This is a pivotal moment for the more than 230 Air Inuit pilots,” added Desmarais. “This agreement strengthens the airline’s future by ensuring experienced pilots can build sustainable careers here. It is not only about fairness for pilots—it’s about guaranteeing reliable air service for Nunavik communities.”

    The pilots and Air Inuit’s management team have agreed to immediately begin working together to implement a plan to ensure all aspects of the new agreement are in place as soon as possible.

    Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 US and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

  • Air Transat Pilots File Notice of Dispute with Federal Government Following Stalled Negotiations

    15 September 2025

    Montreal, PQ—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 Labor and the Federal Mediation Service of Canada as contemplated by s.71 of the Canada Labor 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 Labor 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 US and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org

  • Porter Pilots Serve Notice to Bargain for Their First Collective Agreement

    10 September 2025

    TORONTO, Ont.—Today, Porter pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), served Porter Airlines a written notice to bargain, marking the first official labour negotiations under the Canada Labour Code.  

    “By joining ALPA last month, the Porter pilots now have a collective voice as we formally begin negotiations for our first collective agreement,” said Captain Andrew Axson, chair of the Porter pilots’ Master Executive Council. “We are excited to have access to ALPA resources as we engage with Porter’s management to enhance both the commercial success of the airline and the well-being of our pilots and their families.”

    A number of Porter pilots began a grassroots initiative called “Porter Pilots for Change.” Their efforts led to ALPA’s certification as the bargaining agent for Porter pilots by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on August 11, 2025.

    “Our goal is to reach a fair contract that recognizes our pilots’ important role in Porter’s success,” Axson continued. “Porter pilots are proud of our profession and where we work. We remain fully invested in both our company’s growth, as well as our customers’ safety and satisfaction. Our contract should reflect the dedication, value, and skill we bring to the airline.”

    Porter Airlines, headquartered in Toronto, is Canada’s fourth-largest major airline, with more than 800 pilots based in Toronto, Vancouver, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Montréal, and Halifax. The carrier operates passenger service across Canada, with routes to the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

    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 

  • Flair Pilots File to Open Contract Negotiations

    2 September 2025

    Edmonton, Alb.—Today, Flair pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), announced to Flair management its intention to formally open contract negotiations on the pilot group’s new collective agreement. 

    “Our over 250 pilots are more united than ever before and are ready to negotiate the collective agreement that we deserve,” said Flair Master Executive Council chair First Officer Aimee Wintle. “Based on clear direction from the pilot group, our negotiators are steadfast in their commitment to solving the significant problems plaguing our pilots: wages, career progression, and quality of life.”

    The Flair pilots’ current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

    “We come to these negotiations with determination and expect the Company to do the same,” added First Officer Wintle. “Flair pilots have already made sacrifices in the past to ensure this airline’s viability. Now it’s time for the Company to return the favour. We are committed to bargaining in good faith, but the outcome must reflect our value — A Fair contract for Flair pilots.”

    Flair is Canada’s first independent ultra-low-cost carrier, operating scheduled domestic passenger service to 27 Canadian and North American destinations.

    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, including more than 5,000 Air Canada pilots. Visit ALPA.org