Air Canada pilots sound alarm over incoming CEO amid SAS labour dispute

Air Canada’s incoming CEO is facing scrutiny from Canadian pilots over a labour dispute unfolding at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the European carrier he currently leads, CBC News reports.

Anko van der Werff, president and CEO of SAS, is set to leave the airline and take over the top job at Air Canada by the end of January.

Ahead of that transition, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada is raising concerns about the recent dismissal of Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, chair of the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots’ Association.

Thiel was fired last month. SAS has confirmed his dismissal but has declined to publicly discuss the circumstances, citing the private nature of individual employment matters.

The decision has prompted opposition from pilot organizations in Sweden and internationally, including the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, which represents more than 160,000 pilots worldwide. The groups are calling for Thiel to be reinstated.

ALPA Canada President Tim Perry has now brought those concerns directly to van der Werff.

In a letter obtained by Radio-Canada, Perry described Thiel’s dismissal as “unwarranted” and urged SAS to reverse the decision.

“How you choose to respond will, without a doubt, be a clear indication on how you intend to engage with ALPA Canada pilots as you assume the leadership role at Canada's largest airline,” Perry wrote, as reported by CBC.

The letter was also copied to Air Canada board chair Vagn Sørensen, the report says.

Perry later told Radio-Canada that the dispute is raising questions about the relationship van der Werff could have with organized labour when he arrives at Air Canada.

“A healthy relationship requires trust,” Perry said.

Swedish union challenges firing

The Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA) is challenging Thiel’s dismissal through the Swedish Labour Court and is seeking his reinstatement as well as damages.

SWEALPA chair Tristan Okkonen told Radio-Canada that the union remains stunned by the decision.

According to Okkonen, SAS alleges Thiel travelled outside the country at a time when he was supposed to be carrying out union work.

Court documents obtained by Radio-Canada indicate the union maintains that Thiel was working remotely at the time.

The dismissal also follows difficult salary negotiations between SAS and its pilots earlier this year. During that period, many pilots declined to work overtime as a form of protest, although Okkonen said the action was not directed by the union.

SAS, meanwhile, says it remains committed to its relationship with organized labour.

Air Canada has declined to weigh in, telling Radio-Canada that it does not comment on matters involving another airline. Van der Werff also did not respond to the outlet’s interview request.

Perry said ALPA Canada intends to mobilize its members in support of Thiel as the Swedish dispute continues.

The situation puts an early spotlight on labour relations ahead of van der Werff’s arrival at Air Canada, where he will succeed outgoing CEO Michael Rousseau.

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