The union representing Air Canada pilots has expressed concern over what it perceives as a “retaliatory and anti-labour” move by Scandinavian Airlines, where Air Canada’s future CEO is currently in charge. Anko van der Werff is set to transition from his role as president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to assume the same position at Air Canada by the end of January.
Scandinavian Airlines recently terminated Captain Mattias Åman Thiel, who also serves as the chair of the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots’ Association. While the airline confirmed the dismissal to Radio-Canada, it did not disclose the reason 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. The president of ALPA Canada, which represents pilots at major and regional Canadian airlines, criticized the dismissal as “unjustified” in a letter addressed to van der Werff and obtained by Radio-Canada.
In response to the situation, an Air Canada spokesperson declined to comment on matters involving another carrier. Van der Werff did not respond to Radio-Canada’s interview request, while SAS has defended its action. SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji stated that the airline does not comment on individual employment issues but emphasized the importance of cooperative relationships with colleagues and their representatives within the Scandinavian labor model.
Regarding the dismissal, Tristan Okkonen, chair of the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA), expressed shock and highlighted Thiel’s alleged termination for traveling abroad instead of working for the union. The pilots’ union is pursuing legal action to reinstate Thiel, claiming he was working remotely during the period in question. Okkonen also linked Thiel’s firing to previous tense salary negotiations and pilot protests against overtime work.
The head of the Canadian pilots’ union voiced concerns about the impact of these events on the future relationship between Air Canada’s incoming CEO and employees, emphasizing the importance of trust for a healthy work dynamic. Plans are underway to rally member support for Thiel’s cause.
