Firing Union Leaders Is Bad for Business, Canadian Labour Congress Agrees

Canadian Labour Congress Approves ALPA Canada’s Request for Boycott of Scandinavian Airlines

OTTAWA, Ont.—Captain Tim Perry, President of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, issued the following statement after the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) issued a national boycott of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) at ALPA Canada’s request following the unjustified dismissal of its union (SWEALPA) chair, Captain Mattias Aman Thiel.

“We could not be clearer about our unequivocal condemnation of the unwarranted dismissal of Captain Mattias Aman Thiel, a duly elected and highly regarded union leader of the SAS pilots, and we thank the CLC for their support.

“Captain Thiel’s dismissal raises serious concerns regarding internationally recognized labour rights and protections for elected union representatives. This action is retaliatory and anti-labour in nature, and we are deeply disappointed with SAS management’s decision to proceed in this manner.

“Our members will not accept any anti-labour conduct by any management, as it undermines the rights of pilot union representatives, constrains legitimate union activity, and is outright wrong.

“Union representatives are responsible for their members and must be free to carry out their legitimate responsibilities, including challenging management decisions without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

“This dismissal, in addition to being retaliatory, is being grossly mischaracterized by SAS management, which is both dishonourable and demonstrative of a misunderstanding of the rights, roles, and responsibilities of representative bodies such as Swedish ALPA.

“We are calling on Anko van der Werff, SAS President and CEO, who is also set to hold the same position for Air Canada, to reinstate Captain Thiel to his full duties immediately.

“Mr. van der Werff’s decision regarding Captain Thiel and how he chooses to respond will be a clear indication of how he intends to engage with ALPA Canada once he assumes the role of Air Canada President and CEO in January 2027.”

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