Air Transat, pilots reach a deal

Air Transat and its pilots — represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) — have reached a deal that amends the last collective agreement that was ratified on Oct. 5, 2010. In the wake of initiatives adopted by Transat last fall in order to get back to profitability, the agreement calls for a deferment of planned wage increases in exchange for a lump-sum payment due upon expiry of the collective agreement. That lump-sum payment is conditional on the attainment of certain financial targets and amounts payable as part of the incentive plan will be deducted. In addition, the collective agreement is extended by one year until April 30, 2015. Transat A.T.’s president and CEO, Jean-Marc Eustache commented: “This agreement was negotiated with respect and in a climate of openness, and it reflects the constructive dialogue that Air Transat maintains with its employees and union representatives.”