Air Transat Pilots Issue Strike Notice, Threatening Travel Disruptions

Air Transat Braces for Potential Pilot Strike as Contract Negotiations Stall

Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat has begun suspending flights after the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) issued a mandatory 72-hour strike notice on December 7, 2025. Under Canada Labour Code requirements, the strike could commence at 03:00 local time on December 10, 2025, disrupting operations for the airline’s 4,300 employees and stranding passengers during peak travel season.

The labor action stems from nearly a year of negotiations over a new pilot contract to replace the 2015 agreement. On December 2, 2025, 99% of Air Transat’s 750 pilots voted to authorize industrial action, signaling strong union solidarity. Captain Bradley Small, Chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, emphasized that pilots have exhausted negotiation avenues: “Months of unproductive bargaining ends now. If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every canceled flight and stranded passenger.”

Pilots are demanding what they characterize as a “modern contract with industry-standard pay, benefits, work rules, and job security.” The union contends that their current agreement no longer reflects market conditions in commercial aviation, where pilot compensation and working conditions have evolved significantly since 2015.

Air Transat management has countered that it has demonstrated serious commitment to resolving the dispute. The airline proposed a five-year agreement including a 59% salary increase over the contract period and described its offer as including “major improvements” to working conditions. However, the airline characterized ALPA’s demands as “unreasonable” and warned that a premature strike could inflict “serious consequences” on passengers, operations, and non-pilot staff.

Julie Lamontagne, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer, stated: “Despite these efforts, ALPA has shown no openness, and the discussions have not led to an agreement.”

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in commercial aviation labor relations as pilots leverage post-pandemic operational demand to secure enhanced contracts. Industry observers note that pilot compensation remains a critical competitive issue, with major carriers like Air Canada and WestJet having recently negotiated significant pay increases.

With a 72-hour window remaining, both parties theoretically have opportunity to reach agreement, though positions appear entrenched. Air Transat has advised customers to monitor its website for flight status updates and cancellation policies.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765192402000-1234