Dozens of WestJet pilots to lose jobs under age cap policy

Several dozen WestJet pilots aged 65 and older are expected to lose their positions next month following the airline’s introduction of a new age-based flying policy earlier this year.

According to Capt. Bernie Lewall, chair of the WestJet pilots’ Master Executive Council with the Air Line Pilots Association, the airline notified pilots of the change in an email sent on July 3, stating that Oct. 31 would be the final day of employment for those impacted.

If the policy goes ahead, 44 pilots will lose their jobs right away, with another 200 potentially impacted over the next five years, according to Lewall, as reported by the Calgary Herald.

In a statement, WestJet said it introduced an age-restricted flying policy for pilots earlier this year due to “growing operational and regulatory complexities,” pointing to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations that prohibit “pilots over age 65 from flying in U.S. airspace or using U.S. alternate airports.”

Currently, WestJet pilots over age 65 are limited to flying domestic routes.

The pilots’ union learned of the policy change in May. Since then, Lewall said the MEC has been working with legal counsel to develop “a comprehensive legal and contractual response.”

In June, the union filed a formal policy grievance, and a Toronto-based arbitrator has since been appointed to oversee the case.

While the arbitration process moves forward, the union has also sought an interim order to prevent WestJet from enforcing the policy, according to Lewall.

“The WestJet pilots MEC has filed an interim order requiring WestJet management to cease and desist its unilateral implementation of their policy change,” Lewall said.

“We are requesting that WestJet management do the right thing by maintaining the existing status quo, pending the final outcome of this arbitration.”

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