Name: Air Transat pilots union issues 72-hour strike notice
Uploaded: 2025-12-08T02:23:13.862Z
Duration: 2 min 50 s
Description: The union representing Air Transat pilots has issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning pilots could be on strike as early as Wednesday. In response, the airline says it will gradually shut down operations over the next three days.

The union representing Air Transat pilots has issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning pilots could be on strike as early as Wednesday. In response, the airline says it will gradually shut down operations over the next three days.

Montreal

The union representing 700 Air Transat pilots has issued a 72-hour strike notice, with the potential for a strike to begin on December 10th. In response, Air Transat will start suspending some flights to minimize disruption, particularly as the holiday travel season approaches.

Pilots are seeking better working conditions and higher pay, while Air Transat has called the strike notice premature. The federal government is monitoring the situation and urging both parties to reach an agreement quickly. Passengers are advised to check with Air Transat for updates on their flights.

Air Transat pilots' union issues 72-hour strike notice

The Union, representing Air Transat pilots, has issued a 72-hour strike notice. The Montreal-based airline says it will begin suspending some flights starting tomorrow, and that is causing concern over potential flight disruptions during this busy holiday season. CBC's Mercedes Gatsimbide joins us now live from outside Pearson International Airport. So, Mercedes, what more can you tell us about the strike notice? Well, Natasha, as you said, the Union, representing the company's 700 pilots, has decided to issue a strike notice. Let's show you what that social post says. It says, this means the strike could formally begin on December 10th, and that operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached. So, Air Transat says they're going to be gradually suspending flights over the next few days to minimize disruption and essentially stop a full-on shutdown before it happens. They are also implementing a flexibility policy to offer customers a chance to change or postpone their flights, at least if you're travelling within the next five days. Now, we spoke to a few Air Transat customers who could potentially be affected by this strike. Here's what they had to say. I understand, too, from the last report that they're getting closer. So, yeah, I mean, they have a strike mandate, more or less, but it does sound like they're getting closer. Well, I'm afraid that it might take effect before then and end up not, you know, come home. So, I hope it gets resolved soon. So, understandably, Mercedes, lots of people quite anxious about what's going to happen. What are we hearing from both sides of the negotiation? Well, on the pilots' side, they are asking for better working conditions and higher pay. Here's what spokesperson Bradley Small had to say on behalf of the Pilots' Association. Months of unproductive bargaining ends now. If we cannot reach an agreement, management will be responsible for every cancelled flight and stranded passenger. Now, on the other side, Air Transat is saying that the strike call is premature. In a statement, they said, it's regrettable that the union has expressed such indifference toward Transat, its employees and clients, by choosing the path of a strike at this time of year, a reckless decision that does not reflect the state of negotiations. Now, in terms of the federal minister, the press secretary says that they are monitoring the situation closely. They're urging both sides to come to an agreement as quickly as possible and that they understand how stressful the holiday time is for Canadians when it comes to travel. For now, they're counting on all parties to reach an agreement. Customers today will not be affected, but tomorrow, some folks could be. So, they are encouraging you to call Air Transat and see what's going on with your flights. Back to you, Natasha. That's a B-day at Pearson International Airport. Thank you.

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