WestJet Encore pilots could go on strike as soon as April 17 after they approved a strike mandate Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
WestJet Encore, the regional carrier under WestJet, faces potential turbulence as its pilots have voted in favor of a strike mandate, with the possibility of a strike as early as April 17th. This development exacerbates the challenges for the airline, which has already experienced a tumultuous year.
The decision to authorize a strike mandate came after WestJet Encore pilots expressed frustration over stalled contract negotiations concerning issues such as pay, schedules, and career advancement. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reported that 97% of pilots voted in favor of strike authorization, with a turnout of 89%.
Carin Kenny, who leads the union's WestJet Encore section, highlighted the growing frustration among pilots. She noted that the low wages at WestJet Encore have led some pilots to seek opportunities elsewhere, exacerbating the existing pilot shortage. This shortage poses challenges for WestJet Encore, particularly in recruiting experienced pilots who could potentially transition to WestJet's mainline operation.
Kenny explained that while WestJet Encore is actively recruiting newer pilots, retention remains a significant issue. Many pilots gain experience with WestJet Encore before moving on to other airlines both domestically and internationally, further contributing to the pilot shortage.
Diederik Pen, the president of WestJet Airlines, emphasized the airline's commitment to reaching an agreement with ALPA that addresses the concerns of WestJet Encore pilots while remaining competitive within the Canadian airline industry. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a sustainable future for the airline while providing meaningful employment opportunities for its employees.
This development follows last year's narrowly averted strike, where talks between WestJet and a different group of pilots led to the cancellation of over 230 flights. The collective agreement reached with pilots at WestJet and its subsidiary, Swoop, resulted in a significant pay increase over four years. However, WestJet Encore pilots were not covered by this agreement.
In June of last year, WestJet announced its decision to integrate Swoop's operations into its mainline business, signalling a strategic shift in its budget airline strategy.
The potential strike comes at a challenging time for WestJet as it faces indefinite delays in the delivery of new aircraft. A panel blowout on a Boeing 737 Max plane in January has led to delays in the certification process for the Max 10 model. This setback has further complicated matters for the airline as it contends with increased scrutiny from regulators.
In summary, the authorization of a strike mandate by WestJet Encore pilots underscores the ongoing challenges facing the airline. Contract disputes, pilot shortages, and operational setbacks pose significant hurdles for WestJet as it navigates through a turbulent period in the aviation industry.
