The end of Swoop?: New WestJet pilots’ deal could lead to its integration

The tentative agreement reached last Friday 19 May between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union could spell the end of its low-cost airline subsidiary Swoop.

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The two sides reached the tentative pact on the second collective bargaining agreement that had begun eight months earlier. This way, they avoided an imminent strike, although there is still some way to go, as its members must vote on the final agreement.

See also: WestJet reaches tentative agreement with pilots and strike is dismantled

The future of Swoop

According to sources quoted by CityNews, one of the terms included in the four-year collective bargaining agreement stipulates the full integration of all Swoop operations into WestJet’s mainline by October 2024. However, as the agreement is not ratified, the final terms are subject to further discussions.

The pilots are demanding better scheduling, the definition of a career path and a reduction in the pay gap with their counterparts in the United States. They also argue that the «uncompetitive» wage benefits offered by the company lead to employee resignations and a consequent reduction in the workforce.

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In that sense, the integration would be part of an effort to equalise pilot pay between the two operators. Currently, Swoop pilots are paid less than their WestJet colleagues. However, it is also possible that the two brands will remain separate and that the company will equalise conditions.

Swoop, an ultra-low-cost airline owned by WestJet, began operations in June 2018. It currently has a fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 and six 737 MAX 8. It focuses on point-to-point connections and offers a network of 32 destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

See also: Swoop resumes flights to Orlando