WestJet and its pilots reach 11th-hour deal to avoid strike: Union | 24CA News
Airline WestJet and its pilots have reached a last-minute deal, averting a strike forward of the May lengthy weekend, in response to the union.
The strike was set to start early Friday morning, and already the airline had cancelled a whole lot of flights in anticipation of its fleet being grounded.
A news launch from the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) late Thursday evening stated members voted to approve an agreement-in-principle with WestJet administration, following greater than 9 months of negotiations on a brand new pilot contract.
A membership vote on the settlement will start within the coming days, it stated.
“After months of tough negotiations with management, we are pleased to announce an agreement-in-principle that goes a long way to recognizing the value and expertise we bring to our airline every day,” stated Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).
“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.”
The union stated WestJet pilots have fallen behind their North American counterparts lately with regard to vital contract provisions, together with job protections, profession development, compensation, and scheduling flexibility.
The WestJet ALPA leaders stated they consider the contract meets the aim of securing higher job safety, enhanced compensation, and extra versatile schedules to permit for a greater work/life steadiness.
“When I started at WestJet 18 years ago, it was seen as a career destination,” Lewall stated in a press release.
“For the past several years, we have unfortunately been nothing more than a training ground for pilots looking to leave for better opportunities.
“This contract will change that and make WestJet a career destination once again.”
Throughout negotiations, the union stated WestJet administration repeatedly spoke to its development technique.
“If ratified, the pilots will send a strong message that they remain committed to being a major contributor to WestJet’s success and help the company recognize its growth strategy,” the union stated.
The Calgary-based airline has but to launch a press release on the deal.
— More to come back…
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