After more than eight months of negotiations, WestJet Group and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have come to an agreement, averting a strike as we head into the May long weekend.
Following 8 months of negotiations, we are pleased to announce that the pilots have reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with @WestJet on our second agreement.
— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 19, 2023
There will be NO labour action.
We sincerely thank you for your support.#WestJetPilots #ALPAPilots #Contract2023 pic.twitter.com/2K9mf0RYWT
WestJet Group and ALPA reached a last-minute tentative agreement on the second collective bargaining agreement before the 2 a.m. strike deadline.
"The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that is industry-leading within Canada and recognizes the important contributions of our valued pilots by providing meaningful improvements to job security and scope, working conditions and wages," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer in a statement. "We appreciate we were able to arrive at a deal, however, recognize the impact on our guests, and we sincerely appreciate their patience during this time. We are pleased to now return our focus to providing friendly, reliable and affordable air service to Canadians for years to come.”
The WestJet Group says both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
The @WestJet Group and ALPA have reached a tentative agreement on the second collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership. https://t.co/kqJVlo6zxb
— WestJet News (@WestJetNews) May 19, 2023
The WestJet Group says they are hoping to get things back up and running as soon as possible but warns it will take time, and travellers are being encouraged to continue to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport.