CALGARY — WestJet pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have issued a 72-hour strike notice to WestJet management and the federal government.
The notice came down last night at 8 p.m., starting the clock on a 72-hour countdown to negotiate a contract. As of 3 a.m. ET on May 19, says the ALPA, the WestJet pilots plan to begin lawful job action, which could include grounding all aircraft and effectively shutting down operations.
A statement from the ALPA says the union could have filed the notice over the weekend, “but in a bid to keep the airline operating, agreed to extend negotiations. This sign of good faith was to allow enough time to review additional proposals put forth by both parties. While progress was made on most non-cost items, both sides have been unable to reach an agreement that will serve the best interests of all parties involved.”
The airline and the union have been in negotiations for some nine months.
“Flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome, especially given the tremendous support our guests have shown us, and we want to continue being a major contributor to our company’s success by helping WestJet realize its growth strategy,” said Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).
Legal added: “We are hopeful today’s strike notice filing will provide management with the incentive to recognize just how dire the situation is and reach an agreement with us. That’s why we will continue to make our negotiators available 24/7 during the remainder of the 72-hour strike notice period.”
