Air Transat says it has reached a new deal with flight attendants, a move that could avert a costly strike.
On 08JAN, the airline said it reached a new tentative agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing its 2,100 flight attendants, following five days of intense discussions.
The offer will be presented to members soon and, if accepted, will take effect as a collective agreement for the next five years.
"We are happy to have concluded a new tentative agreement that satisfies both parties and that will enable Air Transat to remain competitive,” said Julie Lamontagne, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer of Transat.
“In response to the unforeseen rejection of the first tentative agreement last week, we immediately returned to the bargaining table to explore all possible solutions. We are confident that this new offer will meet our flight attendants' expectations and will adequately reflect their interests.”
CUPE members said they were looking for improved pay and payment for prep time prior to the doors closing on Transat planes.
Air Transat and CUPE’s executive reached a tentative agreement on 14DEC, 2023, but 98.1% of members rejected the proposed deal.
"Faced with the dizzying rise in the cost of living and the industry's favourable prospects, they are ready to take action," a CUPE spokesman told CBC News in November. "More than 50% of them have been forced to take on a second or even a third job to make ends meet, and their starting salary is only $26,577 per year."
The contract for Air Transat's flight attendants based at airports in Montreal and Toronto expired on Oct. 31, 2022
Air Transat said it won’t comment on the details of the tentative agreement, out of respect for the process and the members who must still vote on the agreement.
At this time, all Air Transat flights are maintained. Travellers can find more information on the Air Transat website.
Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.
