The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Air Transat pilots are advocating for wages closer to Air Canada pilots' salaries, part of a wider effort by North American airline unions to establish equal pay standards across employers. The Globe's Vanmala Subramaniam writes that Air Transat and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) are in tense negotiations for a new contract, with a possible strike starting early Wednesday if no deal is reached. On Monday afternoon, both sides reported some progress in negotiations. Air Transat announced it would start suspending flights on Monday, with a full shutdown planned for Tuesday. The dispute centres on compensation, as the ALPA seeks to have Air Transat match the 42-per-cent wage increase that Air Canada pilots recently received after a decade-long contract. Air Transat pilots, who also had a 10-year contract, currently earn significantly less, according to the union. The airline proposed a 59-per-cent wage increase over five years, but the union rejected it and issued a 72-hour strike notice. Stephanie Ross, an associate professor at McMaster University, noted increased co-ordination among pilots and flight attendants to advocate for sector-wide standards.