Incoming Air Canada CEO's current airline engaged in 'anti-labour' behaviour, says Canadian union head

Anko Van der Werff is seen in Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 30. The Scandinavian Airlines CEO is set to take Air Canada's helm by January. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/Reuters)Social SharingThe union representing Air Canada pilots says it is concerned about what it calls a "retaliatory and anti-labour" action by Scandinavian Airlines — which is currently run by Air Canada's next CEO.

Anko van der Werff will soon leave his role as president and CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to take on the same position at Air Canada by the end of January.

Last month, Scandinavian Airlines Captain Mattias Åman Thiel — who also is the chair of the SAS section of the Swedish Pilots' Association — was fired. 

The airline confirmed the dismissal to Radio-Canada but did not provide the reason why it took that measure. 

The union, as well as the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations — representing over 160,000 pilots worldwide — has called for Thiel's reinstatement.

The president of ALPA Canada, which represents pilots at major and regional Canadian airlines, called the dismissal "unwarranted" in a letter to van der Werff obtained by Radio-Canada.

"How you choose to respond will, without a doubt, be a clear indication on how you intend to engage with ALPA Canada pilots as you assume the leadership role at Canada's largest airline," wrote ALPA Canada president Tim Perry.

He echoed the other unions' demand to "immediately reinstate" Thiel in the letter, which was copied to Air Canada board of directors chair Vagn Sørensen.

Reached by Radio-Canada, an Air Canada spokesperson said the airline doesn't comment on "a situation involving another carrier."

Van der Werff did not respond to Radio-Canada's interview request, whereas SAS defends its decision.

SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji said the airline does not comment on "individual employment matters." But she said the airline "strongly values the Scandinavian labour model and the important and constructive co-operation we have with our colleagues and their representatives."

"We cannot and will not make exceptions or treat colleagues differently based on their position, seniority or personal relationships," said Kaoukji in an email.

The chair of the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SWEALPA), Tristan Okkonen, worked closely with Thiel as part of his union duties. 

"We are still in shock," he told Radio-Canada in an interview.

He says, according to the employer, Thiel was dismissed because he travelled abroad when he should have been working for the union. Those allegations were also reported by foreign media at the end of August.

An Air Canada Airbus A220-300 aircraft is seen in Richmond, B.C., in July. The company will soon have a new CEO. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)In court documents obtained by Radio-Canada, Thiel's union argues he was working remotely at the time. The pilots' union is asking the Swedish Labour Court to reinstate him and order SAS to pay damages.

Okkonen said Thiel's firing comes a few months after difficult salary negotiations between pilots and their employer. He said last spring, many pilots refused to work overtime in an act of protest — but said that action was not ordered by the pilots' union.

The Canadian pilots' union head says he fears the situation bodes poorly for the future Air Canada CEO's relationship with his employees.

"A healthy relationship requires trust," Perry told Radio-Canada in an interview.

He said he plans to mobilize members to support the captain in his demands.