TORONTO — Sunwing Airlines says it bargained in good faith with Sunwing pilots to reach a fair agreement, and says the recent federal labour complaint is without merit.

As reported earlier this week, Sunwing pilots filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board, arguing the airline bargained in bad faith as it already knew it would be acquired by the WestJet Group.

Sunwing Airlines Inc. says it has reviewed a copy of Unifor Local 7378’s complaint, and asserts that the union’s claim that Sunwing was sold to WestJet shortly after a renewal collective agreement was signed with its pilots in early 2021 is not true.

A statement issued by Sunwing yesterday says: “Sunwing and the union reached a tentative agreement in bargaining on January 23, 2021 which was fair and reasonable. The renewal collective agreement was ratified by an overwhelming percentage of the union members voting on February 12, 2021.

“More than one year later, on March 2, 2022, WestJet announced an agreement under which the WestJet Group of Companies would acquire Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. The proposed transaction remains conditional upon regulatory approval.

“The complaint is without merit, out of time and will be vigorously defended.”

The company adds: “Sunwing Airlines values all of its employees, who are integral to helping make our customers’ vacation dreams come true. Our pilots are vital to our operations. Sunwing Airlines will continue to promote positive labour relations in good faith as more of our customers return to travel and we continue to rebound from the pandemic.”