The union representing Air Canada pilots has expressed concerns over what they perceive as a “retaliatory and anti-labour” move by Scandinavian Airlines, where Air Canada’s incoming CEO currently serves.
Anko van der Werff is set to transition from his role as president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to assume the same positions at Air Canada by the end of January. The recent termination of Scandinavian Airlines Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, who also chairs the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots’ Association, has raised eyebrows.
Scandinavian Airlines confirmed Thiel’s dismissal to Radio-Canada without disclosing the reasons behind the decision. Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, representing over 160,000 pilots globally, have called for Thiel’s reinstatement.
The President of ALPA Canada, representing pilots at major and regional Canadian airlines, characterized the dismissal as “unwarranted” in a letter addressed to van der Werff, obtained by Radio-Canada.
“How you choose to respond will be a clear indication of your approach in engaging with ALPA Canada pilots as you take the helm at Canada’s largest airline,” wrote ALPA Canada President Tim Perry in the letter, which was also sent to Air Canada’s board of directors chair, Vagn Sørensen.
When contacted by Radio-Canada, an Air Canada spokesperson declined to comment on the situation involving another airline. Van der Werff did not respond to interview requests from Radio-Canada, while SAS defended its decision.
SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji emphasized the airline’s commitment to the Scandinavian labor model and cooperative relationships with employees and their representatives. She stated that the airline upholds fairness and consistency in its treatment of all colleagues.
The dismissal of Thiel has sparked a challenge from the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA). Tristan Okkonen, chair of SWEALPA, expressed shock over the situation and refuted the employer’s claim that Thiel was terminated for traveling abroad instead of working for the union.
According to court documents obtained by Radio-Canada, Thiel’s union argues that he was working remotely during the alleged violation. The pilots’ union is seeking Thiel’s reinstatement and compensation from SAS.
Okkonen highlighted the timing of Thiel’s dismissal following tense salary negotiations between pilots and the airline. He mentioned that earlier in the year, many pilots staged an overtime refusal as a form of protest, although it was not officially sanctioned by the pilots’ union.
The head of the Canadian pilots’ union expressed concerns about the potential impact of this situation on the future CEO’s relationship with employees at Air Canada. Perry stressed the importance of trust in fostering a healthy employer-employee dynamic and indicated plans to rally support for Thiel’s cause among union members.