Pilots’ Resilient Approach
By F/O Tim Perry, ALPA Canada President
As we’ve navigated COVID-19, our country’s approach to the pandemic has shaped the realities our industry faced and how our union responded. And while our situations and timelines are slightly different from those of ALPA’s U.S. pilots, our approach to crafting solutions is very similar. ALPA Canada has used the strength of our union, coupled with our pilots’ resilience and ingenuity, to tackle challenges and take advantage of opportunities that emerge for Canadian aviation to stay on course during these extraordinary times.
When COVID dealt the airline sector one of the hardest hits in history, we collaborated with unions across the country and launched a nationwide advocacy campaign to “Save Canadian Aviation.” Each time a new decision, policy, or variant emerges, we advocate for our members’ interests before a government that continues to force aviation to absorb one loss after another. First, pilot jobs as companies furloughed pilots and parked airplanes during heavily prohibited travel periods. Now, continued travel restrictions as the omicron variant spreads.
The Health minister and the Transport minister recently announced that vaccinated air travelers coming into Canada from all countries except the United States will be required to be tested at the airport upon landing. These travelers will then have to self-isolate until a negative test result is received. We continue our outreach to the Transport minister to express ALPA’s concerns regarding the negative impact on our industry—whether it’s questioning both the necessity and efficacy of such restrictions or protecting and promoting our profession in its continued time of need.
To address their jobs and interests, our pilot groups turned to what ALPA does best: representing pilots. Several of ALPA Canada’s pilot groups negotiated new contracts during the pandemic, and all of our pilot groups negotiated special provisions to address a myriad of issues as airlines navigated operational and training challenges. Following the merger of Canadian North and First Air, the respective pilot groups successfully negotiated and ratified a new joint collective agreement. Kelowna Flightcraft pilots ratified a tentative agreement on a four-year contract that includes key improvements to wages, scheduling rules, and vacation bidding. Air Transat pilots approved a new agreement that put 470 pilots back to work after 16 months of being grounded.
Of our newer members, Morningstar Air Express pilots secured their first ALPA agreement, while PAL Airlines/Air Borealis pilots’ negotiations stalled and landed in conciliation. PAL pilots recently voted 100 percent in favour of a strike if management continued stall tactics and refused to negotiate in good faith. While we’re ready to take the necessary next steps, PAL management is now using every tactic possible to prevent the pilots from earning a fair, industry-standard wage—including what we perceive to be political interference by persuading the St. John’s, Nfld.–based federal Labour minister to take sides. ALPA continues to advocate for PAL pilots, protecting their right to use the provisions provided under the Canada Labour Code to secure their first collective agreement.
Last year, we welcomed Flair and Cargojet pilots to our ranks. Unfortunately, ALPA had to immediately file an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on behalf of 23 Cargojet pilots who were unlawfully terminated shortly after the pilot group voted for ALPA representation. Management clearly violated the labour code by unreasonably terminating pilots who were ALPA supporters while continuing to hire other pilots. ALPA continues to defend the rights of pilots who fight for their pilot group to gain ALPA representation.
Our pilots continue to face challenges during this unique time in aviation history—job loss, COVID-19 mandates, career stagnation, and health concerns as the Canadian airline industry continues to struggle under the weight of the pandemic. But with ALPA’s help, we’re continuing to support our pilots. We’ve negotiated new agreements. We’ve found opportunities as flying shifted and passengers returned and cargo continued to boom to keep our economy moving. We’ve charted a course to restart aviation in Canada at full capacity. And we’re continuing to work with the Canadian government to provide a safe path to C-Band 5G implementation.
As pilots, we remain resilient by focusing on what we can control. We’re wired to turn complex problems into creative solutions with impactful results. COVID is testing our resilience, but we continue to be effective on the flight deck, in the halls of government, and in building the future of our profession. That’s the power of a union.
