Release #: WEN 24.03
March 22, 2024
WestJet Encore Pilots Show Unity During Informational Picket
Pilots Fighting for Their Futures
CALGARY, ALB.—WestJet Encore pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), were joined today by ALPA Canada president Capt. Tim Perry, and ALPA vice president–finance/treasurer Capt. Wes Clapper for their first informational picket in Calgary, with just days remaining before the potential end of the federal conciliation process on March 26. The pilots gathered to send a clear message to WestJet Encore management that they are ready, willing, and able to fight for a fair contract that will bring stability to their careers at the WestJet Group.
“When most pilots started working at WestJet Encore, they believed working for our airline was a step towards a long career within the WestJet family,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, WestJet Encore Master Executive Council (MEC) chair. “Now we are nothing more than a training ground for pilots looking to leave for better opportunities. We are here to fight for a contract that will change that and make working within the WestJet Group a career goal.”
After seven months of negotiations, WestJet Encore management still fails to understand a fundamental fact—that without drastic improvement on career progression, seniority, and compensation, there is little stopping WestJet Encore pilots from seeking better employment opportunities elsewhere.
“Our membership survey data clearly shows our pilots are looking to be part of a company that values the talent and experience they bring to the workplace,” Kenny continued. “That’s why we have provided common-sense solutions to the Company which continue to fall on deaf ears.”
“The goal for the WestJet Encore pilots is to work with the airline to make the WestJet Group a career destination for pilots, like it used to be. That’s why the pilots’ bargaining proposals remain consistent with the contracts that other regional pilots within North America enjoy,” noted Capt. Perry. “If they can close that gap with a better contract, we believe it will go a long way to solving many of the pilot attraction and retention issues at WestJet Encore.”
Flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome for any pilot or its passengers, and ALPA remains committed to the bargaining process, making the union’s negotiators available 24/7 throughout the end of the conciliation period, and during the 21-day cooling-off period.
On April 14, the WestJet Encore pilots are prepared to file a 72-hour strike notice, should that be required, and expect the possibility of being in a legal position to commence job action on April 17, should management continue to stall negotiations.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 77,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
-###-
CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org