The union representing Air Canada pilots has expressed concerns over what they perceive as retaliatory and anti-labor actions taken by Scandinavian Airlines, where the incoming CEO of Air Canada is currently serving.

Anko van der Werff, who is set to transition from his role as president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to assume the same responsibilities at Air Canada by the end of January, has been at the center of controversy. 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 from his position. While the airline confirmed the dismissal to Radio-Canada, no specific reasons were provided for the decision.

Both the union and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, which represents over 160,000 pilots globally, have called for Thiel’s reinstatement. ALPA Canada’s president, in a letter addressed to van der Werff and obtained by Radio-Canada, criticized the dismissal as unwarranted.

The president of ALPA Canada warned that the way van der Werff handles this situation will be indicative of his approach to engaging with Canadian pilots as he steps into the leadership role at Air Canada. The letter, which also urged for Thiel’s immediate reinstatement, was copied to Air Canada’s board of directors chair.

In response to inquiries by Radio-Canada, an Air Canada spokesperson declined to comment on matters involving another carrier. Van der Werff did not respond to interview requests from Radio-Canada, while SAS defended its decision through a spokesperson who emphasized the airline’s commitment to the Scandinavian labor model and collaboration with colleagues.

The dismissal of Thiel has sparked a challenge from the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA). Tristan Okkonen, the chair of SWEALPA, expressed shock over the situation and disclosed that Thiel was allegedly dismissed for traveling abroad instead of fulfilling his union duties. The union representing pilots has taken legal action to seek Thiel’s reinstatement and compensation from SAS.

Okkonen highlighted that Thiel’s termination followed tense salary negotiations between pilots and the airline, with pilots staging a protest by refusing overtime work the previous spring. The head of the Canadian pilots’ union voiced concerns about the impact of this incident on the future CEO’s relationship with employees, emphasizing the importance of trust in fostering a healthy work environment.

Plans are underway to rally member support for the captain’s cause.