WestJet and pilots union reach last-minute deal, avoiding strike

A last-minute deal has been reached between WestJet and its pilots union, avoiding a strike ahead of the May long weekend.

Air Line Pilots Association said in a statement that union leaders voted to approve an agreement-in-principle, with a membership vote to begin soon.

WestJet and its Swoop subsidiary had grounded the majority of its fleet Thursday, parking their 130 planes at airports across Canada and leaving thousands of travellers frustrated.

Dozens of national and international routes were affected, while flights at the WestJet Encore regional service and the WestJet-owned Sunwing Airlines were unaffected.

Nearly 1,800 pilots at WestJet and Swoop were prepared to walk off the job as of 3 a.m. mountain time after the ALPA served a strike notice Monday.

READ MORE: WestJet pilots issue 72-hour strike notice ahead of long weekend

Bernard Lewall, head of the union’s WestJet contingent, had said the workers’ issues revolved around pay, job security and scheduling, with pilots earning approximately half of what some of their U.S. counterparts make.

In the ALPA statement, Lewall said union leaders believe the contract “delivers on the goals of better job security, enhanced compensation, and more flexible schedules to allow for a better work/life balance consistent with collective agreements other ALPA-represented pilot groups are signing with their employers.”

“This contract will also help solve many of WestJet’s pilot attraction and retention issues, benefiting everyone involved from our company to our passengers and fellow employees.”
In its own statement, the WestJet Group said it is happy to have reached a tentative agreement that is industry-leading within Canada and recognizes the important contributions of its valued pilots.

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CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the agreement provides “meaningful improvements to job security and scope, working conditions and wages.”

“We appreciate we were able to arrive at a deal, however, recognize the impact on our guests and we sincerely appreciate their patience during this time.”

WestJet said it is resuming its operations as quickly and efficiently as possible, but added it will take time for the network to catch up.

Travellers are encouraged to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.