WestJet Encore Pilots Ratify New 5-Year Agreement

WestJet Encore pilots have ratified a new five-year agreement that improves pay and schedule flexibility.  

Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents the more than 300 pilots flying for the Canadian airline’s subsidiary, announced the news on Friday. In total, 91% of eligible pilots voted, with 79% in favor of the deal.  

The new contract is effective immediately, with retroactive pay to January 1, 2024. The new contract expires on Dec. 31, 2028. 

“The ratification of this contract is a step toward our company and our pilots working together to put the airline in a more competitive position,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, chair of the WestJet Encore ALPA Master Executive Council. “Since negotiations began, we were clear that to attract new pilots to the WestJet Group and retain the ones currently flying for our airline, we needed a contract that provides competitive compensation, improved scheduling flexibility, and a level of career progression.”    

In May, the pilots voted down WestJet Group’s previous offer. Kenny cited the lack of career mobility as a major factor.   

“Despite contract improvements to compensation and scheduling, our pilots held strong in their belief that management isn’t doing enough to address the ongoing pilot attraction and retention issues and low morale that remain at our airline,” Kenny said in a statement. 

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that reflects the instrumental value and contributions of our Encore pilots,” said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer. “This agreement reflects our commitment to our Encore pilots and their contributions to the WestJet Group, as we continue to invest in our growth and Encore operations, which provide critical connectivity to regions across Western Canada.”