WestJet pilots can file for strike notice with the Canadian government at any time now, but as of early May 15, neither the pilot’s union nor management have given 72-hour notice for self-help either in the shape of a pilot’s strike or management lockout. For now, each side are negotiating directly and, as per below, in public.
As of early May 15
As previously covered, 95% of WestJet Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) MEC voted to authorize a strike once legally able on April 18. WestJet pilots authorized the strike resulting from the laggard pace of negotiations plus demanding higher on pilot retention, scope, and wages.
The pilots also conducted an informational picket on May 8. Through the rally and subsequent picket, pilots lamented on the tone from management with statements like events are a “common practice.” The informational picket set Canadian records as per the below tweet:
Captain David Campbell of ALPA and considered one of the leaders of the 2022 efforts to land a game-changing pilot’s contract at Alaska Airlines made clear the pilots’ lament as you’ll be able to listen below:
Competitive wages are a priority
One among the biggest items of concern for the WestJet pilots is that the pilots seek wages which are competitive with US airlines’ pilot wages. Nevertheless, management has highlighted that WestJet’s home base is in Canada.
WestJet
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- WS/WJA
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Calgary International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport
- 12 months Founded:
- 1994
- CEO:
- Alexis von Hoensbroech
- Country:
- Canada