A significant strike slated to commence this weekend has been avoided following WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reaching a tentative agreement.
The ALPA represents the WestJet pilots, among others, and has made headlines in the past week as they seek better pay and scheduling. They were additionally looking towards narrowing the gap between their U.S. counterparts.
While WestJet had already offered what they believed to be an improved contract to their pilots, this was turned down, and subsequently, the pilots were still looking at a mass walkout.
This was until the dying hours when an agreement was reached before the deadline.
WestJet says they are thankful a deal was reached; however, they are still aware of its implications on their customers, as resuming operations will only take time.
While WestJet was the focus of this, aviation employees throughout Canada and more locations globally continue to fight for better conditions and seek representation from unions, in some cases too.
Since the pandemic, the pressures on employees in roles have only increased. With shortages and the lack of ability to source fully qualified trained professionals, multiple jobs are placed on the shoulders of just one.
