According to the Canadian Press the union representing WestJet pilots says contract negotiations with the airline have been unproductive and arbitration may be needed to avert a strike.
"We're getting very close, in our opinion, to being at an impasse," Bernie Lewall, chair of the union's WestJet Pilots Association told CP. "I think it is very likely that we're going to enter conciliation soon - as far as a strike, I can't say."
WestJet pilots first unionized in May 2017, and the first contract, which expired at the end of 2022, was the result of an arbitrated settlement that left some pilots unhappy. Negotiations for a new contract began in September 2022.
Sticking points include wages, scheduling concerns and the issue of Swoop pilots being paid less than WestJet mainline pilots. With the airline's proposed acquisition of Sunwing under regulatory scrutiny, the pilot union says all those who fly WestJet planes should receive equal pay.
"We could get into a position where we potentially could have three airlines under the WestJet group of companies, all flying the same aircraft type for different wages and working conditions," Lewall told CP.
He also suggested that there continues to be "an anti-union attitude" among WestJet management. Following the unionization of the pilots, flight attendants and other employees have followed suit.
In a statement, WestJet spokesperson Denise Kenny said the airline wants to reach an agreement.
"We are committed to working together to address issues raised by our valued pilots as we move forward through any required steps of the bargaining process," Kenny said.
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