WestJet strike averted

WestJet Group and the Air Line Pilots Association reached a tentative contract agreement in time to prevent today’s anticipated work stoppage after threats of a strike from the union and a lockout from the carrier. [caption id="attachment_68934" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo/WestJet[/caption] The arbitrated agreement, which took nine months to reach, now awaits ratification from ALPA members. ALPA, which represents about 1,800 pilots at WestJet and subsidiary Swoop , said the ratification vote will take place in the coming days. “After months of tough negotiations with management, we are pleased to announce an agreement-in-principle that goes a long way to recognizing the value and expertise we bring to our airline every day,” Capt. Bernard Lewall , chairperson of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council, said in a statement today. “This contract will also help solve many of WestJet’s pilot attraction and retention issues, benefiting everyone involved — from our company to our passengers and fellow employees.” WestJet preemptively canceled more than 100 flights , according to the carrier, so that airplanes and crew would not be stranded in remote locations should a work stoppage occur. WestJet is working to resume operations as quickly and efficiently as possible, the carrier said. Operations are expected to be back to normal Saturday or Sunday. “The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that is industry-leading within Canada and recognizes the important contributions of our valued pilots by providing meaningful improvements to job security and scope, working conditions and wages,” WestJet Chief Executive Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement today. Higher wages, job security ALPA said that, since the WestJet and Swoop pilots had their first arbitrated contract “forced upon them” in 2018, the pilots have fallen behind their North American counterparts in terms of job protection, career advancement, compensation and scheduling flexibility. “The union maintains its expectation of closing in towards U.S.-like wages, despite living and working in Canada,” WestJet said in a statement Monday. This new contract addresses the pilots’ concerns, according to ALPA, which did not make contract details available. “When I started at WestJet 18 years ago, it was seen as a career destination,” Lewall said. “For the past several years, we have unfortunately been nothing more than a training ground for pilots looking to leave for better opportunities. This contract will change that and make WestJet a career destination once again.” Aviation advisory service SASI World President and Chief Executive Stan Wraight had predicted to Air Cargo Next that the sides would come to an agreement before a strike and lockout occurred. “Almost all airlines are now having pilot discussions as the post-COVID surge in new business and the pilot shortage meet each other and clash,” Wraight told Air Cargo Next today. “ Delta set the bar, reaching a [more than] 30% pay rise in March of this year, and now everyone’s expectations are so high.” Delta Air Lines pilots approved a contract in March that includes a 34% raise over four years — a move that experts say has emboldened other carriers’ pilots. “We shall see if this is sustainable and how ticket prices are influenced; there is not much room for price increases as numbers quoted these days for travel are reaching ridiculous levels,” Wraight said. “One thing will become increasing clear: Without a significant and profitable cargo contribution in the operations, many flights will be either canceled or downgraded to the cheapest possible alternative — for example, more narrow bodies on the north Atlantic.” WestJet Cargo’s rocky first month A WestJet Cargo representative had confirmed to Air Cargo Next that the carrier’s all-cargo unit, which launched in April after delays, had canceled flights for Thursday and today. WestJet Cargo is working to resume operations. WestJet Cargo operates three Boeing 737-800 converted freighters and a fourth freighter is being converted. WestJet Cargo planned to launch services last summer but was delayed because Transport Canada took 10 months longer than expected to approve the freighters’ structural design.

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