Cargojet Pilots Respond to Comments on Contract Negotiations

HAMILTON, Ont.—Capt. Adam Brochu, Cargojet Master Executive Council (MEC) chair issued the followingstatementin response to comments made by 21 Air and Houston Astros owner, Jim Crane. On Thursday, Crane publicly stated Cargojet is selling its stake in 21 Air because it doesn’t want its pilot union to exploit the relationship in negotiations over a new labour contract, which, if true, undermines the integrity of the negotiations and the growth both management and the Association have shown throughout this process.

“We have approached negotiations in good faith and collaborated with our Company’s management to achieve contract terms that include the industry protections common to our fellow pilots in Canada and while securing a fair contract that reflects our value to this airline. Besides many of our pilots being shareholders, we are the ones who ensure Cargojet maintains its valuable reputation amongst its clients, as we perform the work of flying those planes. 

“To diminish our duty to bargain as an attempt to exploit billion and, in some cases, multibillion dollar businesses is not only offensive but a complete affront to the value of labour and the men and women who dedicate their lives to such work.

“Our hope is that Mr. Crane’s statements are not an accurate reflection of what actually occurred—as that, in our eyes, would be an intentional attempt to diminish the value of the Company with the sole purpose of derailing negotiations or restricting the pilot’s ability to seek fair compensation. On our part, we will continue to negotiate for the interests of our pilots.”

Founded in 1931 ,ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org.