WestJet Encore Pilots Issue 72-Hour Strike Notice

WestJet Encore pilots could be going on strike as early as June 1. 

On Wednesday (May 29), WestJet issued advance lockout notice to the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents the 355 pilots working for the airline subsidiary. 

This notice gives 72 hours to the two parties to negotiate a contract. Unless a deal is reached, a work stoppage could occur as early as June 1, 6:00 p.m. (MT).

Last month, WestJet Encore pilot leaders accepted an agreement in principle. However, the ALPA membership did not ratify the agreement, and the two parties have failed to reach an agreement over the last two weeks. 

“After eight months of negotiating, and a failed [tentative agreement], unfortunately management has not recognized the pilots’ needs,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, chair of the WestJet Encore ALPA Master Executive Council. 

WestJet said in a statement that it had presented the pilots with its best offer. 

“The decision to issue notice was not made lightly, and we sincerely apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the Western Canadian regions that rely on WestJet Encore service; we are hopeful that guest disruption can still be prevented,” said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airline and Group COO. 

“Over the past two weeks, we have been working diligently to understand where we could better align priorities within the financial framework presented. Unfortunately, given the pace of progress and our steadfast priority to protect the summer travel plans of Canadians, a lockout notice was required to provide certainty for our guests and employees by bringing this to a final resolution.”