Air Canada Pilots Raise Concerns Over Dismissal at Incoming CEO’s Current Airline
Bareen Media – The union representing Air Canada pilots has raised concerns over the dismissal of a senior Scandinavian Airlines pilot representative as SAS chief executive Anko van der Werff prepares to become Air Canada’s next CEO.
SAS dismissed Captain Mattias Åman Thiel with immediate effect on August 28. Thiel is chair of the SAS section of the Swedish Airline Pilots’ Association and represents more than 400 SAS pilots. The airline confirmed the dismissal but did not publicly give a detailed reason.
Swedish pilot unions say SAS alleged that Thiel had not carried out union duties during scheduled time. They reject the allegation and say documents show he was performing union work remotely. The union has taken the dispute to the Swedish Labour Court and is seeking his reinstatement and compensation.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations has also called for Thiel’s reinstatement, saying the case raises concerns about the protection of elected union representatives.
ALPA Canada president Tim Perry described the dismissal as “unwarranted” in a letter to van der Werff and called for Thiel to be reinstated. Perry said the response to the case would be an important indication of how the incoming Air Canada chief executive intends to work with the company’s pilots.
SAS has defended its general employment policies, saying the company will not treat employees differently because of their position, seniority or personal relationships.
