As previously reported by Open Jaw, a stipulation of the buy-out agreement with Air Canada requires a 40% workforce reduction plan.
Last week, 128 Air Transat flight attendants were notified of temporary layoffs. In addition, the airline's YVR base will be closed, GlobalNews reports. Open Jaw cannot confirm whether these layoffs are related to the Air Canada buy-out requirements.
CUPE says the layoffs represent more than half its current workforce of flight attendants, leaving only 117 flight attendants working for the month of NOV. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Transat employed 2,000 flight crew.
The airline attributed the decision to Canada’s border closures and lack of sector-specific support for airlines.
Christophe Hennebelle, Transat AT’s vice president of human resources and corporate affairs, says no flight attendants have been permanently let go.
In total, the airline says it now has about 1,700 active employees, down from 5,100 before the pandemic.
Christophe Hennebelle, Transat AT’s vice president of human resources and corporate affairs, says no flight attendants have been permanently let go.
In total, the airline says it now has about 1,700 active employees, down from 5,100 before the pandemic.
Anna Kroupina Journalist
Anna is OJ's newest member and she joins the team as a writer/reporter. She co-writes the daily news and covers events. Although she's new to the industry, pursuing a career path in travel/tourism has been a goal since her first family road trip to the Florida Keys sparked a desire to discover the world and this exhilarating, fast-paced industry.
