The union representing Air Canada pilots has expressed concerns over what they describe as a “retaliatory and anti-labour” move by Scandinavian Airlines, where Air Canada’s future CEO is currently in charge. Anko van der Werff, the current president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), is set to transition to the same position 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. While the airline confirmed the dismissal to Radio-Canada, they did not disclose the specific reason for this action. Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, representing over 160,000 pilots globally, have called for Thiel’s reinstatement.
In a letter to van der Werff, ALPA Canada’s president criticized the dismissal as “unwarranted.” The president urged van der Werff to reconsider the decision, highlighting that it would impact the relationship with ALPA Canada pilots under his leadership at Canada’s largest airline.
Air Canada declined to comment on the matter involving another carrier when contacted by Radio-Canada. Van der Werff did not respond to interview requests from Radio-Canada, while SAS defended its decision. According to SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, the airline refrains from commenting on individual employment matters but emphasized their commitment to the Scandinavian labour model and cooperative relationships with colleagues.
The chair of the Swedish Airline Pilots Association, Tristan Okkonen, expressed shock over Thiel’s dismissal, citing employer claims that Thiel traveled abroad instead of fulfilling union responsibilities. The union asserts that Thiel was working remotely during the alleged period. In response, the pilots’ union is seeking Thiel’s reinstatement and compensation through legal action in the Swedish Labour Court.
Okkonen highlighted that Thiel’s termination followed challenging salary negotiations between pilots and the airline, noting a previous protest where pilots refused overtime work independently of union directives. The head of the Canadian pilots’ union voiced concerns over the impact of Thiel’s dismissal on the future CEO’s relationship with employees, emphasizing the importance of trust in fostering a healthy work environment. Plans are underway to garner support from members to advocate for Thiel’s cause.
