WestJet pilots file for union certification

The WestJet Professional Pilots Association has filed for certification with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, taking another step toward creating a legally recognized union.

According to a statement from the organization, the application was filed for a vote amongst the carrier’s 1,200 pilots. If approved, the CIRB will oversee a secret ballot of all eligible pilots to determine support for creating a union.

In a statement on its website regarding the application, the WPPA said it has the required support of more than 40 per cent of its membership.

In response, WestJet provided the following statement on the WPPA's decision:

"We are disappointed that the WestJet Professional Pilots Association has applied for certification through the Canada Industrial Relations Board. We stand behind WestJet’s Pro-Active Communication Team (PACT), our employee association already in place and established more than 16 years ago. It is a unique model of representation that promotes a relationship of collaboration, trust and mutual respect with leadership and, as results would demonstrate, has served the airline and our people well. We will now undergo the required process through the CIRB."