Pilots for two Canadian airlines are seeking to start the next round of contract talks.
Flair pilots announced to management its intention to formally open contract negotiations on the pilot group’s new collective agreement. Canadian North pilots say they have served the airline’s management with a formal Notice to Bargain for their seventh collective agreement.
In both cases, the current collective agreement expires on 31DEC, 2025.
Both pilots’ groups are represented by ALPA, the Air Lines Pilots Association, which successfully negotiated a new deal for Air Canada pilots last year.
“Our over 250 pilots are more united than ever before and are ready to negotiate the collective agreement that we deserve,” said Flair Master Executive Council chair First Officer Aimee Wintle. “Based on clear direction from the pilot group, our negotiators are steadfast in their commitment to solving the significant problems plaguing our pilots: wages, career progression, and quality of life.”
Flair is Canada’s first independent ultra-low-cost carrier, operating scheduled domestic passenger service to 27 Canadian and North American destinations.
Canadian North Master Executive Council chair Steven Bard had a similar message: “Our nearly 250 pilots have a specialized technical skillset that is required to fly the rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions of the Canadian Arctic. Our compensation should reflect the expertise Canadian North pilots bring to the operation, and our quality of life must be taken into account given the unique demands we face daily while working in remote northern communities. Additionally, we also need improved accommodations at these sites, as the current conditions do not meet the standards our pilots deserve.”
Canadian North operates scheduled passenger and cargo services throughout the Canadian Arctic, providing workforce transportation for the oil and gas industry, as well as ad-hoc charters in Canada and the U.S.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines.
