WestJet to layoff more than 3,000 employees

WestJet is laying off over 3,000 employees as part of its restructuring plan.

CEO Ed Sims called the changes unavoidable as COVID-19 has dealt the industry “the biggest crisis in the history of aviation.”

The pandemic saw the airline suspend most of its schedule – including all international trips – in late March.

It continues to run at less than 10 per cent capacity.

WestJet says it will consolidate call centre activity in Alberta, restructure office and management staff and contract out operations at all but four of the 38 Canadian airports where it operates.

The changes amount to layoffs for 3,333 workers.

That will leave about 4,500 active employees on the payroll.