Release #10.TSC5
October 6, 2010

Air Transat Pilots Ratify Tentative Labour Agreement
New Contract Calls for Improved Job Stability and Fatigue-Mitigation Safeguards

MONTREAL—The pilots of Air Transat, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today announced they have ratified a tentative agreement with management. Out of 87 percent of pilots who voted, 75 percent cast ballots in favor of the agreement.

The achievements made in the TA reflect advances in employment protection for long-term job stability, improvements to pay rate, and lifestyle considerations that incorporate fatigue-mitigation factors. The agreement was reached following an intense 60-day period of conciliation.

“We are really pleased with the results,” said Capt. Sylvain Aubin, chairman of the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC). “With these strong numbers, our pilots have once again demonstrated their unity as they have done throughout the entire collective bargaining process.” The successful ratification by Air Transat pilots represents over 13 months of strategic planning by members of Air Transat’s MEC and Negotiating Committee.

Capt. Aubin credits the leadership and support of the pilots’ union and the experience and dedication of the Air Transat pilots. “We could not have done this without the strength and solid backing of ALPA and the remarkable commitment of our pilot volunteers who executed an effective communications network for Air Transat pilots across Canada,” he said.

“I want to congratulate the Air Transat pilots for remaining unified and focused on achieving much-needed improvements in the cornerstone areas of their contract,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA president. “The unwavering dedication they showed toward accomplishing their contract goals, combined with the solidarity of the Air Transat pilots with their MEC and Negotiating team, provided the strength and discipline to get the job done.”

The pilots of Air Transat and Transat A.T. management now begin the process of implementing the new collective agreement. “Our pilots have spoken with a unified voice,” said Capt. Aubin. “We anticipate management to deal responsibly and expeditiously with the implementation of the new agreement.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

CONTACTS:
Captain Sylvain Aubin, 514-332-4716; Lynn Konwin, ALPA: 1-703-481- 4468, or lynn.konwin@alpa.org.