WestJet pilots vote 91% in favour of strike

WestJet pilots have voted 91 per cent in favour of a strike, citing “gaps in proposals on total compensation, working conditions, and job security.”

While pilots will be in a legal position to commence job action on May 19, the Air Line Pilots Association (which represents the carrier’s pilots) has committed to having no job action take place over the Victoria Day long weekend as the collective bargaining continues, to avoid disruption of travel plans. Negotiators will now head to Halifax to continue negotiations starting next week and "are committed to staying there for as long as it takes to get a deal done," the ALPA said.

“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,” said Capt. Rob McFadyen, chairman of WestJet’s ALPA Master Executive Council. “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 response

"We acknowledge the outcome of this vote and recognize the mandate WestJet pilots have given ALPA," said Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, in a press statement responding to the pilots’ vote. "We are certain our guests will appreciate that this update confirms their travel will be unaffected over the Victoria Day long weekend … We remain at the negotiation table to drive a sustainable agreement, in the best interest of our pilots, 13,000 WestJetters and the 70,000 guests who fly with us daily."

WestJet declined to provide further comment to PAX regarding the strike vote however, in response to passenger concerns, the airline tweeted that in the event of a cancelled flight due to the labour disruption, passengers would be fully refunded.

In the event that your flight is cancelled due to the labour dispute, we will provide a refund. The company remains actively engaged in negotiations and is confident that an agreement can be reached. However, at this time, it's business as usual.

— WestJet (@WestJet) May 10, 2018