WestJet has reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), representing WestJet Encore pilots. The agreement successfully averts a work stoppage and a second ratification vote will be put forward to membership.
On Wednesday evening, following the issuance of a lockout notice, both ALPA and WestJet returned to the bargaining table. After what WestJet called “challenging, but meaningful discussions,” a resolution was achieved, with the collective goal of avoiding the disruption of WestJet’s Encore operations and guests' travel plans.
Pilots with WestJet's regional subsidiary approved a strike mandate on April 2 by 97%. At the time, the union said the vote result showed that pilots have a "deep-seated feeling" the company is failing to recognize workers' needs beyond compensation. A tentative agreement was reached early in May, but was rejected by just over half of pilot union members.
Diederik Pen has been named president of WestJet Airlines. (Photo Credit: WestJet)
"The tentative agreement we have reached today provides an offer that is fair and sustainable, and better aligns with key priorities as identified by ALPA, while firmly adhering to the financial parameters that set a critical foundation in the original agreement," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
"While we are pleased to have reached an agreement, we recognize the impact and the uncertainty a lockout notice has on our guests and our people. While our number one priority remains fulfilling our commitment to our guests, through affordable air service, we cannot compromise on what is reasonable and protects the future employment for everyone across the WestJet Group; I am confident our agreement achieves this."
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