By Skies Magazine | April 18, 2023 Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 10 seconds.
Following the opening of a strike authorization vote earlier this month, pilots working for WestJet have voted to strike if a negotiation settlement with management is not reached by May 16.
The announcement came from the union representing WestJet pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), on April 18. The union noted in a press release that WestJet has attempted to “reduce costs by driving down pilot wages” and refuses “to address concerns over scheduling and poor working conditions,” which has led to pilot recruitment and retention issues for the Calgary-based carrier.
The airline’s pilots have also raised concerns about job security, as WestJet recently received approval from the federal government to acquire Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.
According to ALPA, 95 percent of WestJet’s pilots participated in the vote. Of those pilots, 93 percent are in favor of a strike.
“This vote is a clear sign that WestJet pilots remain committed to securing a North American industry-standard contract,” said ALPA. “Such a contract will go a long way toward fixing WestJet’s recruitment and retention issues.”
Although the airline recently announced progress with its growth strategy that was first revealed in June 2022 — stating that it is “now seeing the benefits of our new strategy coming to life across Canada” — ALPA noted that WestJet is “hemorrhaging around 30 pilots per month.” The union says the airline “is on track to lose up to 20 percent of its experienced pilot work force within the next year.”
Capt Bernard Lewall, chair of the ALPA WestJet Master Executive Council, added: “On average, every 18 hours a WestJet Group pilot turns in their wings for a better career. We are hopeful that today’s strong strike vote result and the excellent show of unity displayed during our informational picket last month incentivize management to reach an agreement with us.
“WestJet fails to recognize the value and the expertise we bring to our airline, and the pride we have in transporting our guests safely to their destinations every day,” added Lewall.
While the goal of WestJet pilots is to avoid a strike, and while they recognize that flight disruptions are never ideal, they are “prepared for any outcome,” said ALPA. This is largely thanks to a US$2 million grant from ALPA’s “war chest,” which was unanimously authorized by the union’s executive board.
In response to pilots voting to authorize a strike, WestJet’s chief operating officer, Diederik Pen, said: “A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labor negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur. We remain unwaveringly committed to achieving an agreement that is competitive within Canada’s airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so that we can continue to operate critical air service for millions of Canadians, while providing jobs for thousands at the WestJet Group.”
ALPA said it remains “committed to the bargaining process” and intends to make its “negotiators available during the 21-day cooling-off period, which is set to expire May 13.” However, if an agreement is not reached at that time, ALPA will file a 72-hour strike notice, and the pilots will be in a legal position to take job action on May 16.
“We want to continue being a major contributor to WestJet’s success and help our airline achieve its growth strategy, but if management leaves us no other option, we will be ready to [strike] only if forced,” concluded Lewall.
