WestJet, pilots reach 11th-hour deal as strike averted

CALGARY –

WestJet and its pilots union say they’ve reached a last-minute deal, averting a strike forward of the May lengthy weekend.

An announcement from the Air Line Pilots Association says union leaders voted to approve an agreement-in-principle, with a membership vote to start within the coming days.

The airline had grounded the majority of its fleet Thursday, together with for its Swoop subsidiary, parking their 130 planes at airports from Vancouver to Halifax and leaving 1000’s of travellers in limbo throughout the nation.

The shutdown affected dozens of routes inside Canada and to the U.S. and abroad, whereas flights on the WestJet Encore regional service and the WestJet-owned Sunwing Airlines had been unaffected.

Some 1,800 pilots at WestJet and Swoop had been poised to stroll off the job as of three a.m. mountain time after the ALPA served a strike discover Monday.

Bernard Lewall, who heads the union’s WestJet contingent, had stated the employees’ points revolved round pay, job safety and scheduling, with pilots incomes roughly half of what a few of their U.S. counterparts make.

In the ALPA assertion, Lewall stated union leaders consider 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 personal assertion, the WestJet Group stated it’s glad to have reached a tentative settlement that’s industry-leading inside Canada and acknowledges the necessary contributions of its valued pilots.

CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stated the settlement offers “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 stated it’s ramping up its operations as shortly and effectively as doable, however added it is going to take time for the community to catch up. The airline suggested travellers to proceed to test the standing of their flights earlier than leaving for the airport.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed May 19, 2023