Release #: 19.11
April 04, 2019

PAL Airlines Pilots File Cards for ALPA Representation

After CIRB Certification, Pilots Will Join the World’s Largest Pilot Union

OTTAWA, Ont.—Today, an overwhelming majority of PAL Airlines (including Air Borealis) pilots filed membership cards with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) asking to be represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA)—the fastest card drive in ALPA’s organizing history. Under Canadian regulations, the CIRB will now investigate the application for certification, which may include confirming the cards’ authenticity with those pilots who submitted one.

“We are excited to soon welcome the pilots of PAL Airlines to our union,” said ALPA president, Capt. Joe DePete. “Pilots are strongest when they speak with one voice. By adding nearly 100 pilots, we will continue ALPA’s mission to strengthen and protect the piloting profession in Canada and the United States. We look forward to working with our new members and their employer to achieve the pilots’ contract and overall goals.”

When the CIRB completes the investigation, which could take up to 30 days, it will announce the decision concerning ALPA’s certification application. Once the CIRB is satisfied that ALPA has the support of the majority of the pilot group, ALPA will become the legal bargaining representative of the approximately 100 PAL Airlines and Air Borealis pilots.

“We look forward to working with the PAL and Air Borealis pilots, expanding our ALPA family of Exchange Income Corporation pilot groups beyond Bearskin, Calm Air, and Wasaya,” said Capt. Tim Perry, president of ALPA Canada. “From day one, ALPA’s vast resources will be at their disposal, and we’ll be ready to work with them in achieving a contract that secures their futures and enhances our profession as a whole.” 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 61,000 pilots at 33 airlines in Canada and the United States, including Canadian carriers Air Georgian, Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, Canadian North, First Air, Jazz Aviation, Kelowna Flightcraft, Sky Regional, Wasaya, WestJet, and WestJet Encore. Visit the ALPA at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA. 

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org