WestJet Reaches Tentative Deal with Pilots Union

Canadian airline, WestJet, has reached a tentative deal with its pilots union, following the cancellation of nearly 100 flights in anticipation of a strike. The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) had notified WestJet on Monday that 1,800 pilots would stop work starting early Friday morning if a deal was not reached with company executives by Thursday evening. The tentative agreement was “industry-leading within Canada” and provided “meaningful improvements to job security and scope, working conditions and wages.”

Efforts to Negotiate a Fair Deal

The union was working to negotiate a “fair and equitable” agreement with WestJet to bring the pilots’ contracts in line with salary increases recently seen at some American companies. The four-year deal represents “significant” improvements in pay, which will make WestJet a career destination once again. The agreement will next be put to a union vote for ratification.

Resuming Operations

With the country beginning a long holiday weekend, Canada’s second-largest airline said in a statement it was “ramping up its operations as quickly and efficiently as possible,” but that “full resumption of operations will take time.” With more than 16,700 flights scheduled for the month of June, WestJet represents nearly a third of Canada’s domestic air travel market, while AirCanada controls about half.

Appreciation of the Passengers

WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, expressed his appreciation to the passengers for their patience during the time of uncertainty. He added that although they arrived at a deal, they recognize the impact the situation had on their guests and also appreciated their patience.

The tentative agreement between WestJet and its pilots union is an industry-leading one which provides significant improvements in pay and job security. The agreement, which is expected to be ratified by the union, will ensure that WestJet becomes a career destination once again. WestJet is now ramping up its operations to resume full operations as quickly and efficiently as possible.