WestJet Encore Pilots Could Strike Later this Month

WestJet Encore pilots have voted 97% in favor of taking legal strike action.

Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents the more than 300 pilots within WestJet’s regional subsidiary, announced the vote result today. Of those pilots, 89% participated in the strike-authorization vote.

Contract negotiations between WestJet Group and ALPA have progressed little over the last seven months, reaching a “near standstill,” according to a release. The union is seeking pay raises for its members, as well as more opportunities for career progression within WestJet Group. The official conciliation period ended on March 26.

Unless a deal is reached, pilots could walk off the tarmac as early as April 17, following the mandatory 21-day cooling-off period. In the meantime, ALPA’s negotiators remain available for bargaining.

The According to Capt. Carin Kenny, who heads the union’s WestJet Encore contingent, its workers are the lowest-paid regional pilots in Canada, driving some to seek jobs elsewhere.

A strike or lockout could result in flight delays or cancellations. Last year,  the airline narrowly avoided a strike by reaching a last-minute deal with its WestJet and Swoop pilots—but not before having to cancel over 200 flights.

ALPA held an informational picket at Calgary International Airport on Friday, March 22 ahead of the vote.      

“Without drastic improvement on our next contract, there will be little stopping WestJet Encore pilots from continuing to seek better employment opportunities elsewhere. That’s why we are looking for an industry-standard contract comparable to some of our regional colleagues across Canada,” said Capt. Kenny. “We are here to fight for a contract that will once again make working within the WestJet Group a career goal. Unfortunately, despite management’s platitudes, our proposals continue to fall on deaf ears.”