MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announces that a recommendation from the mediators has been received by the bargaining committees of both parties after an impasse to renew the collective agreement of 2,100 flight attendants at Air Transat. The Air Transat Component of CUPE will present it to members during upcoming information meetings, followed by a voting period. This process rules out all possibility of strike action. Until then, CUPE will not issue any comments on the subject.

The collective agreement for these flight attendants, based at airports in Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ), expired on October 31, 2022. Negotiations began officially on April 17, 2023.

A first tentative agreement between the parties was reached on December 14. After general meetings, the flight attendants voted 98.1% to reject it, with 87% of members participating.

On January 7, a second tentative agreement was reached, also turned down by members on February 1^st by a vote of 81.9%.

The Air Transat Component is part of CUPE’s Airline Division, which represents more than 18,500 flight attendants employed at Air Transat, Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Sunwing, WestJet, Encore, Calm Air, Canadian North, Pivot Airlines, Flair Airlines, PAL and Pascan.

CUPE is Canada’s largest union with 740,000 members across the country. It represents workers in health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, airlines and more.

MONTREAL, Feb. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – CUPE’s Air Transat Component has announced that its 2,100 flight attendant members have rejected the tentative agreement reached on January 7. At the end of a five-session general assembly process followed by a 10-day voting period, 81.9% of them voted no, with 88.7% participating in the vote. Remuneration for hours worked on the ground before takeoff and after landing as well as the question of onboard staffing were the main sticking points.

The voting process also included a question on whether to renew the strike mandate which had expired on January 23. The members voted 94.6% in favour of a new mandate, which will remain in effect until April 1, 2024.

The parties will return to the negotiating table quickly to resume discussions.

To prioritize the resumption of negotiations, the union will not issue any further comments on the refusal of the tentative agreement.

The previous collective agreement for these flight attendants, based at airports in Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ), expired on October 31, 2022. Negotiations began officially on April 27, 2023.

On November 27, during general assemblies, the flight attendants adopted a strike mandate by a nearly unanimous vote of 99.8%, by far the highest tally in the history of CUPE’s Air Transat Component.

On December 14, an initial tentative agreement was reached. On January 2, the union announced that flight attendants had voted 98.1% to reject it, with 87% of members participating in the vote.

The Air Transat Component is part of CUPE’s Airline Division, which represents more than 18,500 flight attendants employed at Air Transat, Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Sunwing, WestJet, Encore, Calm Air, Canadian North, Pivot Airlines, Flair Airlines, PAL and Pascan.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is the largest union in Canada, with 740,000 members across the country. It represents workers in health care, emergency services, education, early learning and child care, municipalities, social services, libraries, utilities, transportation, airlines and more.

Tentative agreement to be presented to members and subject to a vote imminently

MONTREAL, Jan. 8, 2024 /CNW/ – Air Transat announces it has reached a new tentative agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing its 2,100 flight attendants, following five days of intensive discussions. The offer will be presented to members imminently and, if accepted, will take effect as collective agreement for the next five years.

“We are happy to have concluded a new tentative agreement that satisfies both parties and that will enable Air Transat to remain competitive. In response to the unforeseen rejection of the first tentative agreement last week, we immediately returned to the bargaining table to explore all possible solutions. We are confident that this new offer will meet our flight attendants’ expectations and will adequately reflect their interests,” says Julie Lamontagne, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer of Transat.

Air Transat will not comment on the details of the tentative agreement, out of respect for the process and the members who must still vote on the agreement.

At this time, all Air Transat flights are maintained. Travellers can find more information on the Air Transat website: https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/news/unionnegotiations. Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.

To track flight status, download the Air Transat mobile app or visit www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/flight-status-and-schedule.

About Air Transat

Founded in Montreal 36 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East and West coasts of the U.S, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com    

MONTREAL, Jan. 2, 2024 /CNW/ – Following the unfavourable vote by Air Transat flight attendants on the tentative agreement for the renewal of their collective agreement, management has agreed to resume discussions with the union executive. There are currently no strike or lock-out notices issued by either party, and both are keen to reach a new agreement quickly.

The tentative agreement that was presented to members had been approved by the union executive, without restriction, on December 14, and seemed to meet the main interests discussed with the flight attendants’ union, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

“We had reached a tentative agreement negotiated in good faith, which met the interests of both parties,” points out Julie Lamontagne, Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer of Transat. “We are disappointed by this outcome, as we were confident that the tentative agreement would be accepted by the majority of our flight attendants. We are returning to the bargaining table, and our objective remains to find common ground as soon as possible.”

At this time, all Air Transat flights are maintained, and the usual terms and conditions apply.

Clients can find the latest details on the Air Transat website, in the Important notices and news section. To track flight status, download the Air Transat mobile app or visit https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/flight-status-and-schedule. 

About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 36 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East and West coasts of the U.S, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com    

• Plusgrade partners with leading leisure airline, Air Transat, to unlock new ancillary revenue solutions and offer seamless passenger upgrades.
• Economy Class ticket holders now have the ability to upgrade to Club Class, enjoying more comfort, gourmet meals and priority airport services.
• Plusgrade continues its growth trajectory by providing ancillary revenue solutions to over 200 travel partners globally.

MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Plusgrade, the global leader powering ancillary revenue solutions for the travel industry, today announces a partnership with world-leading leisure airline Air Transat to enhance their passengers’ journey. Plusgrade will power a new product that allows Air Transat passengers to purchase an upgrade to Club Class and enjoy maximum comfort in an exclusive cabin, gourmet meals and priority airport services.

Air Transat Economy Class ticket holders now have multiple opportunities to upgrade to the exclusive experience of Club Class. On eligible flights, passengers can place a bid for a Club Class upgrade up to 26 hours before departure. Additionally, passengers can also opt for an instant upgrade during online check-in, available 24 hours prior to departure.

“Airlines are increasingly looking for innovative ways to upgrade the traveller experience while boosting ancillary revenues,” said Ken Harris, Founder and CEO of Plusgrade. “We are thrilled to partner with Air Transat and integrate seamlessly into their customer journey. Together, we will drive great experiences for their travellers.”

Plusgrade’s integration of the upgrade product is fast and easy. It’s built to ensure there’s no impact to the passenger check-in journey while allowing Air Transat to merchandise available inventory within a responsive, dynamic platform.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Plusgrade to bring turnkey solutions to our valued passengers,” said Michele Barre, Chief Revenue Officer. “We believe that travel should be comfortable and memorable, and this partnership allows us to deliver enhanced experiences that will delight our customers before their journey even begins.”

The partnership between the two Montreal-based companies signifies a thriving and innovative Canadian travel market. In fact, Air Transat was named the World’s Best Leisure Airline by the Skytrax’s 2023 World Airline Awards, and Plusgrade was named the top technology provider in the ancillary revenue space by OAG as it continues to scale across the global travel industry, generating billions of dollars in new revenue opportunities for its partners.

For more information about Air Transat upgrade, please visit: https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/book/book-a-flight/upgrades.

About Air Transat

Founded in Montreal 36 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East and West coasts of the U.S, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry. Based in Montreal with major hubs in Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com

About Plusgrade

Plusgrade powers the global travel industry with its portfolio of leading ancillary revenue solutions. Over 200 airline, hospitality, cruise, passenger rail, and financial services companies trust Plusgrade to create new, meaningful revenue streams through incredible customer experiences. As the ancillary revenue powerhouse, Plusgrade has generated billions of dollars in new revenue opportunities across its platform for its partners, while creating enhanced travel experiences for millions of their passengers and guests. Plusgrade was founded in 2009 with headquarters in Montreal and has offices around the world.

MONTREAL, Dec. 14, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Transat and the union representing its flight attendants, CUPE, have reached an agreement in principle for the renewal of the collective agreement. Details of the agreement, subject to a vote, will be presented to members in the coming days.

Travellers can enjoy their travel plans with peace of mind.

About Air Transat 

Founded in Montreal 36 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, the East and West coasts of the U.S, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, Air Transat is committed to a more sustainable travel industry. Based in Montreal with major hubs in Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has near 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com  

Recent distinctions and awards

• Named World’s Best Leisure Airline for the fifth time at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards
• Among Canada’s Best Employers and Best Employers for Diversity according to Forbes’s ranking

MONTREAL, Dec. 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Transat A.T. Inc. (« Transat ») announces the appointment of Jean-François Pruneau as Chief Financial Officer. Jean-François will take office on January 9, 2024.

“I am pleased to welcome Jean-François, who will endorse a pivotal role in the transformation of the Company,” said Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “His business acumen, highly respected track record and vast experience orchestrating successful financing strategies and leading the financial management of flagship companies will make him a valuable asset as we progress through our strategic plan.”

“I am thrilled to join Transat at a turning point of its growth trajectory and eager to contribute my knowledge and executive experience to help the Company forge a promising future and reach its full potential. I can’t wait to be a part of the journey,” added Jean-François.

Jean-François has over 25 years of experience in executive roles at major Quebec and Canadian companies. He most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Starpax Biopharma.

Throughout his career, he held various roles in finance at Canadian National Railway, BCE Media and Quebecor, where he spent close to 17 years and progressed to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial officer, before joining Videotron as President and Chief Executive Officer. He also spent close to a decade as a lecturer at HEC Montréal.

Jean-François holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Finance from HEC Montréal and obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2000. Since 2012, he serves as Chairman of the Board and member of the Executive Committee of the Fondation sablon charity. His honours and distinctions include the award “Financial Executive of a Large Corporation” granted in 2015 by the Québec section of Financial Executives International Canada.

About Transat 

Founded in Montreal 36 years ago, Transat has achieved worldwide recognition as a provider of leisure travel particularly as an airline under the Air Transat brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international destinations. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, it is committed to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the destinations it serves. Transat has been Travelife-certified since 2018.  www.transat.com