The pilots’ union at Air Canada expresses worry over what it deems as retaliatory and anti-labor actions taken by Scandinavian Airlines, where Air Canada’s incoming CEO currently serves. Anko van der Werff is set to transition from his role as the president and CEO of SAS to lead Air Canada at the end of January.
Last month, Scandinavian Airlines Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, also the chair of the Swedish Pilots’ Association section at SAS, was terminated. While the airline confirmed the dismissal, it did not disclose the reasons behind the decision.
Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, representing over 160,000 pilots globally, have demanded Thiel’s reinstatement. ALPA Canada’s president criticized the dismissal as unjust in a letter to van der Werff, emphasizing its impact on the engagement with Canadian airline pilots.
The dismissal issue has sparked concerns about the new CEO’s approach to employee relations. Thiel’s union argues that he was working remotely during the alleged travel misconduct, and legal action is being pursued to challenge his termination and seek compensation from SAS.
The Canadian pilots’ union leader expressed apprehension about the future CEO’s rapport with employees, emphasizing the importance of trust in fostering a healthy relationship. Plans are underway to rally member support for the captain’s cause.