Panama's Copa Airlines pilots announce strike on Feb. 2

PANAMA CITY, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Pilots at Panama's Copa Airlines announced on Friday they would go on strike in February after failing to reach a deal with the company over new contracts, following months of talks.

Luis Alcala, the general secretary of the Panamanian Commercial Aviators Union (UNPAC) said the strike would begin at 7:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 2 after failing to reach a "fair and sustainable agreement" since talks began in October.

The strike would involve approximately 1,200 pilots.

Copa Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The pilots argue their purchasing power has plunged after the pandemic, after the airline scaled back its flight schedule, trimming their wages and hours.

In addition to higher wages, the pilots are also asking Copa to contribute more to their health insurance plan and improve the retirement scheme.

They are also seeking improvements to break and overnight accommodations, food onboard, and improving working conditions for pregnant pilots.

"The list of requests we are making is not exorbitant or utopian - it is very realistic," said Alcala.

The union left open the possibility of discussions with Copa to avoid the strike. (Reporting by Eli Moreno; Editing by Aurora Ellis)