An overwhelming majority of WestJet pilots voted in support of a strike on Thursday, following months of negotiation for a new collective agreement.
Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association since last May, WestJet’s pilots have been working towards their first collective agreement since September. However, with little progress made towards an agreement between the pilots and WestJet, 91 per cent of the pilots voted to authorize a strike.
“The goal is—and always has been—to secure a fair collective agreement that brings stability to the airline, and not to strike,” said Capt. Rob McFadyen, chairman of WestJet’s ALPA Master Executive Council in a press release.
“The strong results of our strike vote and the excellent turnout at our informational picketing event earlier this week should provide management the added incentive it needs to bring serious proposals to the bargaining table that address our concerns.”
While the pilots will legally be able to begin their strike on May 19, ALPA has committed to not taking job action until after the Victoria Day long weekend to avoid disrupting travel plans.
Prior to May 19, negotiators will head to Halifax to continue discussions.
“It’s clear WestJet pilots are ready to stand up for the fair contract we deserve—one that puts us in line with our peers across the industry,” added McFadyen.
“Our pilots have built this airline, and now it is time for our efforts to be properly recognized in terms of industry-standard compensation and working conditions, and real job security that prevents management from outsourcing our jobs.”
WestJet’s CEO Ed Sims told media that the threat of strike has already hurt ticket sales.
“We’ve seen progressive, what we would call, softness or deterioration in bookings,” he said.
“I have almost a visceral reaction to the concept of 70,000 WestJet guests potentially being stranded, 740 flights being disrupted. We have have been working for a considerable amount of time on potential contingency plans to minimize that potential impact.”
BREAKING: 91% of @WestJet #pilots voted to authorize a strike. However, the pilots will not strike until after the #VictoriaDay weekend to ensure #WestJetters’ travel plans are unaffected.
— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 10, 2018
