Air Transat’s pilots have moved toward a potential strike starting Wednesday morning (Dec. 10), delivering a 72-hour notice to the airline over the weekend just as the busy holiday travel season approaches.
As previously reported, the pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), said Sunday (Dec. 7) it filed the strike notice after failing to find common ground following nearly a year of negotiations with Transat A.T.
In response, Air Transat began planning for cancelled flights and the repatriation of passengers, crews and aircraft to avoid them being stranded abroad if a strike occurs.
Starting today (Dec. 8), Air Transat will begin “progressively” cancelling flights with a complete suspension by Dec. 9.
READ MORE: Air Transat begins gradual shutdown as pilots issue 72-hour strike notice
“This strike notice is premature given the progress made at the bargaining table and the generous offers made by Air Transat,” said Julie Lamontagne, the airline’s chief human resources, corporate responsibility and communications officer, in a statement on Sunday. “We have demonstrated a serious commitment throughout the process and a sincere willingness to reach an agreement by proposing several compromises and improvements that address the pilots’ demands.”
“Despite these efforts, ALPA has shown no openness, and the discussions have not led to an agreement. It is regrettable that the union has expressed such indifference toward Transat, its employees and clients by choosing the path of a strike at this time of year—a reckless decision that does not reflect the state of negotiations.”
“While our priority is now to take care of our customers, we remain committed to the process in order to conclude a negotiated agreement,”
In a memo shared with travel advisors, Transat said it remains in “intensive discussions” with the union and is making “every effort to reach a new agreement quickly to limit disruptions to our clients’ travel plans.”
Additionally, to help travel advisors navigate the situation with their clients, Transat has circulated the following Q&A.
Q: When will the strike begin?
A: The 72-hour strike notice was announced by our pilots’ union on December 7, which means that a strike could formally begin on December 10 and that operations will be disrupted until an agreement is reached.
Q: Will the strike threat have an impact on clients’ reservations?
A: If clients are travelling between now and December 12 inclusive, their travel plans may be affected.
Q: Can clients cancel their reservations?
A: To offer more flexibility to clients travelling between now and December 12 inclusive, Transat is offering them the possibility to cancel their booking using this form and get a credit on their file, valid for 12 months.
For travels on or after December 13 – Customers wishing to cancel their reservation may do so according to the terms and conditions of their fare class.
Q: What happens if the file I am cancelling now has Option Flex?
A: The credit being issued will include all components including the cost of Option Flex.
Q: May my customer cancel their booking now using Option Flex?
A: Regular terms of the Option Flex will apply, and you must use this form.
Q: What happens to my commission if my clients are scheduled to travel between now and December 12 inclusive and choose to cancel their departure?
A: If your clients choose to cancel for credit, commission will be paid on the original file if it was paid in full.
Q: What happens to my commission if Air Transat cancels a flight?
A: As we rely on your invaluable collaboration to support your clients, Transat has decided to protect commissions on affected bookings in case of cancellations. While the system removes them at the time of cancellation, they will be reinstated in the following days.
Q: If the pilots go on strike, what happens to my clients at destination?
A: Air Transat will do everything possible to assist customers in returning to their point of origin.
Air Transat flight
If your clients’ flight is cancelled, they will receive a new ticket on the next available flight if such an option exists within 48 hours of the original departure time, or a refund of any unused portion of the trip.
If the alternative offered by Air Transat is refused, they will be entitled to a refund of the unused ticket. Clients or agents may use this form to cancel their reservation.
Transat Packages
For those having booked a package who are at destination and whose stay may be extended, Transat will assume and cover any additional costs incurred.
If your clients return early, Transat will refund any unused hotel nights.
In the event of the refusal of the alternative proposed by Air Transat, they will be entitled to reimbursement of the unused ticket. Clients or agents may use this form to cancel their reservation.
However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier would not be reimbursed.
Q: If the pilots go on strike, what happens to my clients who are booked to travel on a package in the coming days?
A: In the case of a vacation package, if the trip has not started, the booking will be cancelled, and a refund will be issued according to the payment method on file. However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.
Q: What happens if my clients are at destination and their flight is cancelled due to the strike, but have found a ticket on another airline?
Air Transat flight
A: If you or your clients have found a flight with another carrier within 48 hours of the original departure time, we will refund the unused portion with Air Transat. They can submit proof of purchase of the new ticket to obtain a refund of any difference in price for the unused portion.
However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.
Transat packages
If you or your clients find a flight with another carrier within 48 hours of the original departure time, Transat will refund the unused hotel nights and flight portion. You will be able to submit proof of purchase of the new ticket to obtain a refund of any difference in price for the unused portion.
However, any losses related to unused items or activities purchased from a third-party supplier will not be reimbursed.
Q: If the flight is operated and my clients decide to purchase a ticket on another airline, can they get a refund for that ticket from Air Transat?
Air Transat flight
A: No, Air Transat will not refund tickets purchased from another carrier. In addition, any unused portion of the Air Transat ticket is subject to the conditions of the fare class.
Transat packages
No, Transat will not refund tickets purchased from another carrier. In addition, all portions of the Air Transat ticket and unused nights will be subject to Transat’s terms and conditions.
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