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WestJet announced on May 2 that 92 per cent of WestJet Encore pilots represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) voted in favour of a five-year agreement. The vote represents 90 per cent of the 505 WestJet Encore pilots.
The agreement starts Jan. 1, 2019, and expires on Jan. 1, 2024.
“This agreement and outcome is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of WestJet, WestJet Encore pilots and all our WestJetters,” said John Aaron, vice-president, Flight Operations and general manager, WestJet Encore. “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.”
“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,” said Capt Ryan Petrie, WEN ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. “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.”
“This contract is thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our WestJet Encore negotiators and elected leadership, our pilots, and ALPA staff,” acknowledged Capt Ryan Leier, WEN MEC vice chairman. “Thanks also goes to the airline management, and the mediator for their efforts in working with us to reach this agreement.”
