It’s A Deal
Ninety-two percent of WestJet Encore pilots — represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) – have voted in favour of a five-year agreement with WestJet. The vote represents 90% of the 505 WestJet Encore pilots.
The agreement starts January 1, 2019 and expires on January 1, 2024.
John Aaron, vice-president, flight operations and general manager, WestJet Encore, said: “This agreement and outcome is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of WestJet, WestJet Encore pilots and all our WestJetters.”
Aaron continued: “We thank ALPA and the ALPA Master Executive Council for their continued commitment and dedication to WestJet Encore pilots, and we’re pleased that by working together throughout this process we were able to solidify an agreement that is favourable to all parties.”
Capt. Ryan Petrie, WEN ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman, said that: “Throughout negotiations, we continued to communicate with our pilots and their elected representatives, and made the best use of the vast ALPA resources to achieve our goal of getting a good first deal for our pilots.”
Petrie noted that: “This agreement represents a step in the right direction, bringing our pilot wages closer to levels more in line with our industry peers, along with enhancing our work rules and benefit structure.”
Capt. Ryan Leier, WEN MEC vice chairman, said: “This contract is thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our WestJet Encore negotiators and elected leadership, our pilots, and ALPA staff. Thanks also goes to the airline management, and the mediator for their efforts in working with us to reach this agreement.”
IN OTHER NEWS
WestJet reports that it has received a certification order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) confirming the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) as the certified bargaining agent for WestJet Encore cabin crew members.
Jeff Martin, chief operations officer for the airline, said: “WestJet respects the individual rights of our employees to choose their representation. We will work jointly with CUPE to ensure we continue to deliver on our strategy of becoming a global network airline.”
