WestJet pilots vote in favour of strike mandate, want better pay and job protection

The union representing WestJet pilots says they have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPS) says the 1,600 WestJet pilots it represents can launch a strike as early as the week leading up to the May long weekend, which typically kicks off the summer travel season for thousands of Canadians whose plans could now be upended.

In a news release, the union says 95 per cent of pilots voted, with 93 per cent of them in favour of the strike mandate.

Bernard Lewall, who heads the union’s WestJet contingent, says the workers’ issues revolve around job protection, pay and scheduling at the airline as well as at WestJet Encore and discount subsidiary Swoop.

“We’ve been in negotiations since Sept. 2 of last year. So that’s roughly eight months. And we’re just hitting some roadblocks at the negotiating table, the company isn’t negotiating in the way that we feel they need to be,” he told CityNews.

“At the same time, we’re losing approximately a pilot a day that are pretty much going to other airlines. So we need to get them to come to the table and negotiate a fair North American standard contract that will, number one, keep the … experienced pilots that we have currently on property, and also enable us to attract newer pilots to the WestJet groups.”

He says pilots are “talking with their feet” and seeking “better opportunities,” saying this has changed since he joined WestJet 18 years ago.

“The biggest impact is to our future growth,” Lewall said. “Our CEO has stated numerous times over the last couple of months that the WestJet story is a growth story. We don’t see it as a growth story, because our pilots are leaving faster than we can actually hire new ones. And that’s an issue if you’re trying to grow the company, if you’re trying to put new planes on our schedule.”

Lewall also says wages are 50 per cent of the North American average

“We need that gap to narrow and as well scheduling rules, you know, some work-life balance,” he said.

“Some of our pilots, over 40 per cent of our pilots, are currently commuters and they’re away from their homes and their families for up to 20 days a month quite easily.”

Read More: WestJet pilots to launch strike authorization vote as negotiations fizzle

WestJet reiterated last month’s statement that the threat of a strike is a common tactic in negotiations.

“A strike authorization vote is a common step by unions in context of the overall labour negotiation process and does not mean a strike will occur,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer.

“We remain unwaveringly committed to achieving an agreement that is competitive within Canada’s airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so that we can continue to operate critical air service for millions of Canadians, while providing jobs for thousands at the WestJet Group.”

Talks continue through the federal conciliation process, which will end April 24 followed by a three-week break, unless the parties agree to extend negotiations.