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.
Recently, Scandinavian Airlines Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, who also chairs the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots’ Association, was terminated. The reasons behind this decision were not disclosed by the airline when approached by Radio-Canada.
Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, representing over 160,000 pilots globally, have called for Thiel’s reinstatement.
ALPA Canada’s president, representing pilots at major and regional Canadian airlines, criticized the dismissal as “unwarranted” in a letter addressed to van der Werff and obtained by Radio-Canada.
In response, an Air Canada spokesperson declined to comment on matters concerning another carrier. Van der Werff did not respond to interview requests by Radio-Canada, while SAS defended its actions.
SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji stated the airline refrains from commenting on individual employment issues but emphasized the importance of collaboration and the Scandinavian labour model.
Dismissal challenged
Tristan Okkonen, chair of the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA), expressed shock over Thiel’s dismissal, citing reasons related to alleged international travel during union duties. The union is pursuing legal action to reinstate Thiel and seek compensation from SAS.
Okkonen highlighted the strained salary negotiations preceding Thiel’s firing and mentioned pilot protests against overtime work, emphasizing that these actions were not union-directed.
The head of the Canadian pilots’ union voiced concerns about the impact of this situation on the future CEO’s relationship with employees, emphasizing the importance of trust in fostering a healthy work environment.
He intends to rally support among members to back the captain’s reinstatement demands.
