Sunwing Airlines signs new four-year agreement with Unifor Local 7378

Canadian low-cost carrier Sunwing Airlines has signed a new four-year agreement with pilots represented by trade union Unifor Local 7378.

The development comes nearly a month after the two parties reached a tentative agreement.

Under the new agreement, Sunwing Airlines will increase wages, enhance benefits and more to provide better working conditions to the employees.

The union represents 451 Sunwing Airlines pilots, who operate out of six bases across Canada.

These pilots have been furloughed or remain inactive for the past several months due to the ongoing pandemic and other restrictions imposed by the government.

Unifor Local 7378 president Barret Armann said: “In the most unprecedented of times while the entire aviation industry in Canada has been shuttered, our pilots came together and this agreement provides a road forward and a plan for all of our members who are suffering financially.

“I want to thank the members for their solidarity and the bargaining committee for pushing back on concessions and reaching an agreement we can all be proud of.”

The union conducted rallies for months demanding a national aviation plan amid the pandemic.

It also presented to parliamentary committees and actively appealed for a national aviation industry recovery plan including financial support.

Unifor national president Jerry Dias said: “The fact is these pilots are still waiting for the federal government to support the airline industry with a recovery plan as airlines such as Sunwing continue to lose millions.

“Instead of helping, the government continues to impose more travel restrictions without also coming up with a government assistance package as many other nations have done.”