WestJet and its pilots have ratified a new contract that provides pilots with a big pay boost, and eliminates low-cost carrier Swoop. The second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots, was ratified today. As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline, Swoop. Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October. To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of Read more
WestJet pilots
WestJet pilots have called off a potential strike. But it’s not clear when service will return to normal. Duncan Dee, a former chief operating officer at Air Canada, told Global News it will likely be until mid-next-week before WestJet is back operating at 100 per cent capacity. “What’s happened over the last few days, you should look at it in terms of a giant jigsaw puzzle, which was already well put together — and then WestJet comes in and they have to take each and every piece of that jigsaw puzzle apart,” he said. The website Flight Aware reported that some 107 Read more
With less than 24 hours before a potential strike by WestJet pilots, the airline has begun cancelling flights. “As the WestJet Group prepares for labour action by WestJet and Swoop pilots, the airline has started taking down its network,” officials said today in a statement. “This action ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations without support and enables the proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded.” According to the website FlightAware.com, WestJet had cancelled 111 flights (30% of today’s scheduled flights) as of 7 p.m. Eastern Time. According to the Ottawa Read more
With a potential WestJet pilots’ strike or company lockout less than 48 hours away, WestJet’s CEO says a “massive” gap remains between the union and airline negotiators. Negotiations are continuing around the clock between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association as the clock ticks down toward a strike deadline of 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 19. CTV News reports the standoff “leaves thousands of passengers with travel plans for the May long weekend and beyond hanging in limbo — and has already affected bookings.” “The gap is still massive,” CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said of the negotiations, Read more
Brace yourselves, Canada: a WestJet pilots strike or lockout could begin Friday. WestJet pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the company and the government, and their union is warning that the airline could be shut down just before the busy May long weekend. Meanwhile, Flair Airlines says it’s adding flights in Western Canada to help passengers who might be stranded by a WestJet pilots’ strike or company lockout. The Air Line Pilots Association said in a news release late Monday that WestJet pilots plan to begin lawful job action early Friday morning, which the release said “could include Read more
