WestJet pilots still without agreement, head into 21-day ‘cooling off’ period
Talks between the union that represents WestJet pilots and the corporate have to date failed to achieve an settlement, which suggests the group is one step nearer towards a doable strike.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents roughly 1,800 WestJet pilots together with 1000’s of others in Canada and the U.S., supplied an replace on discussions on Tuesday.
It stated a 60-day federal conciliation interval had elapsed with out an settlement.
“The end of conciliation marks the beginning of a statutory 21-day cooling-off period,” ALPA stated in a launch, including that its representatives will nonetheless be open to talks throughout that point if the corporate is prepared.
“Upon the conclusion of the cooling-off period, the pilots could take job action or face a lockout by WestJet management, just before the Victoria Day long weekend.”
Last week, the union introduced its members had voted in favour of strike motion, with the staff’ important points being job safety, pay and scheduling.
In the replace, ALPA stated “flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome,” however pilots are ready to take no matter motion is critical.
“Our goal is to avoid a strike; however, after seven months of negotiating, WestJet management still fails to recognize the value and expertise we bring to our company and passengers every day,” stated Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), in a press release.
Lewall says pilots are leaving the corporate frequently to hunt higher alternatives due to the state of affairs.
“We want to continue being a major contributor to WestJet’s success and help the company recognize its growth strategy, but if management leaves us no other option, we will be ready to do what it takes to fight for our careers and the future of the airline.”
He says the brand new contract must be crafted in such a method to entice new pilots and retain the skilled and certified pilots who presently fly with WestJet.
ALPA says the bargaining proposals its making are per the identical contracts that many different pilots in North America take pleasure in.
Once the “cooling-off period” is over on May 13, the union might file a 72-hour strike discover if talks haven’t but produced an settlement.
It says WestJet pilots might be in a authorized place to strike on May 16.
With information from the Canadian Press
