The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) has voted unanimously in favor of a strike mandate after negotiations with Air Transat failed. CALDA’s national president, Rob King, expressed the union’s intentions and goals to reach a deal at the table, stating that their members are committed to a contract that reflects recent gains in their profession. However, Transat believes that CALDA’s salary demands are unreasonable, citing the financial context in which the airline finds itself and the fact that their flight dispatchers are already the best paid in the industry. Despite this, Transat’s operations and flight schedule are not currently threatened.
Flight dispatchers play a crucial role in the aviation industry by preparing and maintaining flight plans, authorizing flights with the aircraft captain, and briefing air crews. CALDA emphasizes the importance of flight dispatchers by stating that no Air Transat aircraft can depart without the approval of the Flight Plan by the Flight Dispatcher. The 28 Montreal-based dispatchers have been working without a contract since October 31, 2022, and are disappointed in the lack of progress in talks with Air Transat.
According to Transat spokesperson Alex-Anne Carrier, the airline presented an unprecedented global offer to the flight dispatchers on April 25 that was retroactive to last October. However, union leadership allegedly did not present this offer to the members. CALDA’s statement contradicts this claim, stating that the union delivered its strike vote to Air Transat on April 15. The federal government participated in conciliation talks, but a response from Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s office regarding the current situation was not immediately provided.
Both CALDA and Air Transat remain committed to the negotiation process, with Carrier expressing confidence that an agreement will be reached quickly. The situation is ongoing, and both parties continue to work towards finding a resolution. The strike mandate serves as a tool for CALDA to demonstrate their commitment to securing a contract that meets the needs and expectations of their members while also ensuring the continued smooth operation of Air Transat’s flights. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future of the relationship between Air Transat and its flight dispatchers.
