WestJet pilots were due to go on strike for 72 hours as of this morning, but it’s been a long time since North American pilots have been on strike like this. However, it was canceled at the last minute.
WestJet and pilots reach tentative agreement
Earlier this morning, it was announced that the WestJet Group and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) have reached a preliminary agreement on new contracts for WestJet pilots. Both parties are currently awaiting ratification ballots to be submitted to member states, with approval expected within days.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hohensbrooch explained the agreement:
“WestJet Group is delighted to have reached an industry-leading interim agreement in Canada and recognizes the important contributions of our valuable pilots that have resulted in meaningful improvements in job security and coverage, working conditions and wages. We are grateful that we were able to reach an agreement, but we are aware of the impact on our customers and sincerely appreciate your patience during this time. We are pleased to refocus our efforts on providing reliable and affordable air services to Canadians.”
Meanwhile, WestJet ALPA Chairman Bernard LeWall commented:
“This agreement is in line with the collective bargaining agreements that other ALPA-representative pilot groups have signed with their employers to achieve better job security, enhanced compensation, and more incentives to achieve a better work-life balance. The deal will also help solve many of WestJet’s pilot attraction and retention problems, benefiting all involved, from our passengers to our employees. will bring “
It’s great that the strike has been called off, but in all fairness, much of the damage has already been done. Airlines have already started canceling many flights on Thursday in preparation for the strike. WestJet is currently working to restore schedules, but it won’t be back soon.
I would like to know the details of this contract
A significant number of aviation unions are currently working on new contracts, and negotiations are generally tense. Until yesterday, WestJet’s management and pilots’ union seemed like another world.
WestJet claims it offers pilots salaries of up to $300,000 for narrow-body captains and up to $350,000 (Canadian dollars) for wide-body captains, excluding overtime and other benefits. Unions, meanwhile, claimed that pilots work at a “significant discount” compared to U.S. pilot salaries, earning only 45% of the same amount on average. They thought their salaries should be closer to US salaries.
That’s a pretty fundamental disagreement. While it’s understandable that WestJet pilots are looking at U.S. airline pilot salaries, it’s true that the U.S. and Canada have slightly different economic conditions and currencies. I haven’t seen the details of the new agreement yet, so I’m curious as to what exactly it will be.
It’s not uncommon for both teams to play hard before they finally meet in the middle, and I suspect that’s what happened here as well.
Conclusion
WestJet pilots called off the strike at the last minute, but after many flights had already been cancelled. Airlines are now beginning to restore schedules in phases, with pilots expected to vote on new contracts in the coming days.
There seems to have been quite a bit of disagreement between management and the union, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the final deal turns out. I think Air Canada is very careful because this kind of deal always sets a precedent for other airlines. 😉
What are your thoughts on the cancellation of the WestJet pilots’ strike?
