PAL pilots ask for feds to step in to help negotiate new contract | CBC News

PAL Aerospace pilots are looking to the federal government to help revive negotiations they say have stalled with their St. John’s-based employer.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union that represents the pilots, said Monday it filed an application with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which provides conflict resolution to trade unions and employers.

The pilots and management started the negotiation process in March 2021.

Stephen Young, chair of the PAL Aerospace ALPA master executive council, said progress has been made but it has stalled in recent months.

“In some cases, management has gone backwards from previously agreed-upon topics,” Young said in a statement.

“We are incredibly frustrated with the tempo and management’s approach to this process, which led to our decision to seek government assistance to conclude negotiations.”

CBC News has asked the Air Line Pilots Association for an interview.

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has 15 days from the time the request was made to appoint a conciliation officer, who is tasked with working with the employer and union for 60 days to try to reach an agreement.

If that period expires with no agreement, there is a 21-day pause before they can look at job action, such as a strike or lockout. 

They can also agree to extend the conciliation period, said the statement.

In an emailed statement to CBC News, O’Regan wrote “We encourage both parties to work together and reach an agreement to keep planes moving. Because the best deals are made at the table.”

PAL Aerospace is the parent company of PAL Airlines, among other companies, and is a partner in Air Borealis. 

In an statement, PAL senior vice-president Joseph Galimberti said he acknowledged the request for a negotiator had been filed.

“We look forward to working with our employees, and with the appointed federal conciliation officer, toward the completion of a negotiated settlement that meets the needs of both parties,” Galimberti said in the statement.

Young said that PAL pilots are working under low wages and working conditions, while other sectors of the aviation industry have improved.

“While continuing to help the airline earn a profit, pilots are operating understaffed and are unfairly compensated compared to other pilots in Canada,” Young said. “Many of our pilots are highly specialized for the diversity of our operations and are not adequately compensated to reflect their experience and skills.”

Young added that unless company management acts, it risks having its pilots leave for other jobs.

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