Air Transat Pilots in Canada Vote for Strike Ahead of Holiday Rush – Will Your Travel Plans Be Affected By New Chaos?

Published on December 5, 2025

Air Transat pilots are preparing for a potential strike as the airline approaches the busy holiday season, with a resounding majority voting in favor of labour action. The vote comes after extended negotiations for a new contract failed to result in a resolution. With 99 percent of pilots casting their ballots in favor of strike action, the pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), are making it clear that they are ready for a work stoppage if their demands for a modernized contract are not met by the airline’s management.

The pilots’ current agreement, which is more than a decade old, is viewed as outdated by many, including the pilots themselves. They are seeking improvements in their working conditions, compensation, job security, and retirement benefits, along with more reasonable scheduling. The strike mandate, while not a formal notice, signals the pilots’ determination to push for a fair agreement that aligns with current industry standards, particularly those set by Air Canada and WestJet in recent years.

The Pilots’ Demands for a Modern Contract

Capt. Bradley Small, the chair of the Air Transat Master Executive Council, emphasized that the pilots do not want a strike but are prepared for any outcome. According to Small, the pilots are seeking a new contract that reflects the realities of 2025, with adjustments to key areas such as working conditions, insurance coverage, compensation, and retirement security. Another significant issue is the job security of pilots, especially in light of the airline’s expansion. Pilots are hoping to limit the number of outsourced pilots that the airline can use in the future.

The pilots’ demands are not unprecedented, as other major Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada and WestJet, have signed contracts with pilots that address similar concerns. The pilots of Air Transat are seeking similar terms, which they believe are necessary to maintain competitiveness and fair treatment within the airline industry.

The Long Road to Negotiations

Negotiations between Air Transat and the pilots began in January and were supposed to conclude by April, but the talks stretched on throughout the summer. During this period, the union alleges that the company was only present for negotiations about one-fifth of the time, which led to frustration and prompted the union to request the involvement of conciliators from Ottawa.

After a series of unproductive talks, a 21-day cooling-off period was initiated, followed by ongoing mediation. The cooling-off period ends at midnight on Sunday, and after that, Air Transat could enforce a lockout, or the union could file the required 72-hour strike notice. This means that a strike could occur as early as December 10, just ahead of the critical holiday travel period.

Capt. Small noted that while the gap between what the company is offering and what the pilots are seeking is significant, there is still hope for a resolution. He emphasized that the pilots would need to see substantial movement from the company in order to avoid a strike or delay the action further.

Air Transat’s Response and Financial Situation

In response to the pilots’ concerns, Air Transat’s vice president of operations, Dave Bourdages, expressed that significant progress has been made with the help of the conciliators. The airline remains committed to negotiating a collective agreement that reflects the market realities, satisfies both parties, and acknowledges the contributions of the pilots.

John Gradek, an aviation management expert at McGill University and former Air Canada executive, agrees that the pilots are justified in their demands for a modernized contract. He pointed out that many key clauses in the pilots’ current agreement have remained static for over a decade, while the working conditions in the aviation industry have evolved considerably.

Gradek also noted that the airline’s financial situation plays a crucial role in the negotiations. Air Transat, having reached a deal to restructure its debt incurred during the pandemic, cannot afford the financial burden of a work stoppage, especially during the holiday season. With Christmas accounting for 15 to 20 percent of the airline’s annual profit, it is far more financially viable for the company to settle with the pilots rather than risk losing the holiday revenues due to a strike.

Impact on Passengers and Flight Operations

The potential strike comes at a time when many passengers are concerned about the impact on their travel plans. Air Transat has reassured customers that, in the event of a strike, they would do everything possible to assist affected passengers. The airline has stated that certain flights may be canceled, but options will be offered, including rebooking on the next available flight or providing a refund for the unused portion of the trip.

The airline has also encouraged passengers to cancel or modify their existing reservations based on the terms and conditions of their fare class, as a precautionary measure. Despite these assurances, Capt. Small acknowledged the inconvenience a strike could cause passengers, especially during the busy holiday period. However, he placed the blame for the potential disruption on the airline’s failure to reach an agreement sooner.

The Likelihood of a Strike

Despite the looming threat of a strike, many experts, including Gradek, believe that the situation will likely be resolved before it escalates into a full-blown work stoppage. Gradek pointed out that Air Transat pilots have never had a work stoppage in the past, and there is little appetite among them for such an action now. Moreover, given the airline’s financial situation and its need for the holiday season revenues, a settlement is seen as the most practical outcome for both parties.

Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines have all stated that they are monitoring the situation, with Air Canada noting that it is preparing for the busy holiday season, during which flights are typically full.

Recent Labor Actions in Canada’s Airline Industry

The potential strike at Air Transat comes amid a broader trend of labor unrest within Canada’s airline industry. Earlier this year, WestJet mechanics went on strike, disrupting flights during the Canada Day long weekend. Similarly, Air Canada’s flight attendants were on strike for three days before reaching a deal. With labor negotiations ongoing across the industry, including for WestJet flight attendants whose contract is set to expire in December, the airline sector is facing an uncertain future as the holiday season approaches.

Conclusion: A Waiting Game for Both Pilots and Passengers

As the deadline for a potential strike looms, both Air Transat pilots and passengers are left waiting to see if an agreement can be reached. While the threat of a work stoppage is real, the airline’s financial concerns and the pilots’ long-standing history of avoiding strikes suggest that a resolution is more likely than not. In the coming days, all eyes will be on the negotiations as both parties work to find common ground before the holiday season begins.