WestJet pilots issue a notice and are close to call strike action

The ALPA union, which represents the Canadian low-cost airline WestJet pilots, has issued a strike notice 72 hours before the possible start of the action. According to a Reuters report, the protest could begin as early as Friday 19 May.

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WestJet pilots could go on strike next Friday

If it goes ahead, the strike would have a major impact on the carrier’s schedule, causing disruption over the weekend leading up to Victoria Day on Monday 22 May.

WestJet’s pilots’ union leadership said that if no progress is made in negotiations with the company, they could withdraw their services at 03:00 MT (UTC -7) on Friday. «Our negotiating committee remains available to reach a deal», they said. For its part, the airline has already issued a warning about the possible disruption to its operations.

Today the WestJet Pilots MEC issued a 72 hours strike notice. If no progress is made, we could withdraw our services at 0300 MT May 19th, 2023. Our negotiating committee remains available 24/7 to reach a deal.#showusafuture #weareready #willstrikeifprovoked #countdown pic.twitter.com/usKJVss491

— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 16, 2023

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The race for better pay

The move comes at a time when different pilots’ unions in North America are pushing for wage increases and improvements in working conditions. Current economic climate and forecast growth in demand for pilots in the coming years create an ideal situation for such demands.

In recent months, both large and small carriers in the United States have been locked in a growing competition to recruit new pilots, while all unions want an industry-leading contract, both in terms of pay and benefits. The situation resulted in a real race for better working conditions.

In this context, the agreements that are reached set new benchmarks for future negotiations. In Canada, pilots in particular are demanding better scheduling, as well as a reduction in the pay gap with their colleagues in the United States.

WestJet said it intends to achieve «an agreement that is competitive within Canada’s airline industry».

See also: American Airlines shows willing to match Delta pilots’ conditions