Canadian airline Air Transat (TRZ) is planning to suspend all flights by the end of day on Dec. 9 as it prepares for a possible strike by its pilots.
The Air Line Pilots Association, which represents 750 Air Transat pilots, has issued a 72-hour strike notice.
A work stoppage by the pilots could begin as early as 3 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 10.
The primarily leisure airline flies tens of thousands of passengers on more than 500 flights each week to sun destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as Europe.
This would be the second work stoppage at a major Canadian airline this year after Air Canada (AC) endured a strike by its flight attendants this past summer.
Air Transat and the Air Line Pilots Association have been negotiating a new contract for over a year but are said to be at an impasse over wages and scheduling.
The two sides have tried mediation and a cooling off period but have yet to find common ground at the bargaining table.
Air Transat pilots say they are paid less than at other airlines in North America and are looking for pay parity with Air Canada and privately held WestJet.
In 2024, Air Canada’s 5,400 pilots negotiated a cumulative wage increase of 42% over four years.
Air Transat’s pilots have voted 99% in favour of a strike, with ballots cast by 98% of union members.
TRZ stock has declined 74% since the company went public in 1996 and the shares now trade for $2.49, making it a penny stock defined as any security that trades for less than $5.
