The union representing WestJet pilots says they have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate.
A representative of the Air Line Pilots Association told the CBC that 95% of pilots took part in the strike mandate voting, and that 93% were in favour of giving the union the ability to call a strike.
Yahoo finance said pilots could strike or be locked out if notice is given on May 13.
A job action that close to the long May weekend would obviously be extremely disruptive for Canadian travellers.
WestJet officials pointed out that a strike authorization vote is a formality and doesn’t mean there will be a strike.
A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labour negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer. “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.”
The CBC said talks will continue through the federal conciliation process, which will end April 24 followed by a three-week break, unless the parties agree to extend negotiations.
Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOUTHERN ONTARIO AIRPORT STUDY: DOWNPLAYS PICKERING AIRPORT PROPOSAL
The Trudeau government is asking for a study on future airport demand in southern Ontario, a move that will no doubt inflame opponents of the long-discussed Pickering Airport.
Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra today announced that Transport Canada has issued a Request for Proposals to hire an aviation professional services contractor to help the department analyze current and future airport supply and demand in Southern Ontario. The contractor will assist Transport Canada officials in scoping the requirements for a comprehensive study of airport capacity in Southern Ontario, as well as a formal consultation process.
Following the scoping of work for the study, Transport Canada will post a second Request for Proposals to engage a third-party contractor to undertake the study as well as the consultation.
No timeline was provided.
“This analysis, as well as engagement with local stakeholders, the provincial and municipal governments, and Indigenous Peoples, is a first step towards making a final decision to address future airport capacity constraints in the region, and on the future of the Pickering Lands,” officials said. “We have no intention to proceed with building an airport on the Pickering Lands in the near term and the conclusions of the study could lead, for example, to a determination that an airport on the Pickering Lands is not required in the long term.”
Notice that officials said they have no Pickering Airport plans “in the near term.” Notice also that Ottawa did not rule out the idea.
AEROPLAN JOINS FORCES WITH CHEVRON, ULTRAMAR AND MORE
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