Proactive Investors - WestJet pilots are set to walk off the job on Friday as the pilots’ union the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) continues to bargain with the airline for better pay, job security, and more flexible schedules.
About 1,800 pilots at WestJet and its subsidiary Swoop will strike from 3am MT on Friday if the two parties fail to reach an agreement, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the May long weekend.
According to a CTV News report on Wednesday, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said there remained a “massive gap” between the airline’s offer and the union’s counterproposal.
As the strike looms, the CEO noted that the airline’s bookings had been softening.
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
WestJet said it has begun preparations to operate a reduced schedule during the strike, in addition to “proactively managing changes and cancellations” and “providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.”
If delays or cancellations occur, WestJet said customers would be “refunded or re-accommodated, as applicable.”
The airline on Monday issued a lockout notice in response to ALPA's strike notification.
"The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union today, was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests," von Hoensbroech said in a statement.
"It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and complete control of our network at all times, to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, our crews and our aircraft."