The pilots’ union at Air Canada expresses worry over what they describe as a “retaliatory and anti-labour” move by Scandinavian Airlines, whose current CEO will soon lead Air Canada. Anko van der Werff is set to transition from his role as president and CEO at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to assume the same role at Air Canada by the end of January.
Last month, Scandinavian Airlines Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, who also serves as the chair of the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots’ Association, was terminated. The airline confirmed the dismissal but did not disclose the reasons behind this action.
Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, representing over 160,000 pilots globally, have demanded Thiel’s reinstatement. The president of ALPA Canada, representing pilots at major and regional Canadian airlines, criticized the dismissal as “unjustified” in a letter to van der Werff, as obtained by Radio-Canada.
ALPA Canada president Tim Perry emphasized in his letter that how van der Werff responds will significantly influence his relationship with ALPA Canada pilots as he assumes leadership at Canada’s largest airline. The union heads are calling for Thiel’s immediate reinstatement, with the letter also addressed to Air Canada’s board of directors chair Vagn Sørensen.
An Air Canada spokesperson declined to comment on the situation involving another carrier when contacted by Radio-Canada. Meanwhile, SAS has defended its decision, with spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji stating that the airline values the Scandinavian labour model and emphasizes fair treatment of all employees.
Regarding the dismissal of Thiel, the chair of the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA), Tristan Okkonen, expressed shock and disbelief, noting that Thiel was allegedly fired for traveling abroad instead of working for the union, as reported by foreign media and the employer. Court documents reveal that Thiel’s union argues he was working remotely during the time in question, leading them to seek his reinstatement and damages from SAS through the Swedish Labour Court.
Okkonen highlighted that Thiel’s termination followed challenging salary negotiations between pilots and the employer, with many pilots staging a protest by refusing overtime work last spring. The head of the Canadian pilots’ union voiced concerns that the incident could strain the future Air Canada CEO’s rapport with employees, emphasizing the importance of trust in maintaining a healthy relationship. He expressed intentions to rally members in support of Thiel’s cause.