WestJet Encore pilot strike may disrupt flights at Terrace-Kitimat airport
WestJet Encore pilots have voted for a strike mandate, potentially grounding flights at Terrace-Kitimat Northwest Regional Airport and other B.C. cities as early as April 17
Air travel in northwestern British Columbia could face significant disruption as WestJet Encore pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a strike mandate, with potential strikes impacting flights as soon as April 17. This move comes after contract negotiations concerning pay, schedules, and career progression reached a stalemate, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The vote saw 97 per cent of participating pilots in support of the strike action, with an 89 per cent turnout.
The Terrace-Kitimat Northwest Regional Airport, a crucial hub for the region, stands to be directly affected by the strike. This potential disruption would impact not only WestJet Encore flights in Terrace but also flights to and from a wide range of destinations across British Columbia, including Abbotsford, Comox, Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Penticton, Prince George, Vancouver, and Victoria.
Carin Kenny, who leads the union's WestJet Encore group, highlighted the pilots' frustration in comments to The Canadian Press, noting the critical role these negotiations play in addressing the concerns of the pilots, who are considered the lowest-paid regional pilots in Canada. "What that signals to me is that our pilots are frustrated."
The looming strike could initiate as soon as the union leadership files a formal strike notice, which can occur 72 hours after a 21-day cooling-off period that began following the end of federal conciliation efforts last week. This timeline places the earliest possible start date for the strike on April 17, casting uncertainty over travel plans for many in the region.
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WestJet's President Diederik Pen has expressed a commitment to reaching an agreement that addresses the pilots' concerns while maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of the airline in a statement to The Canadian Press. "We are steadfast in our commitment to reach an agreement with ALPA that addresses the unique concerns of our Encore pilots, is competitive within Canada's airline industry and ensures we have a long-term sustainable future so that we can continue to operate critical air service for millions of Canadians, while providing meaningful employment for thousands at the WestJet Group."
WestJet narrowly averted a strike last year after talks with a different set of pilots came down to the wire, prompting the carrier to cancel more than 230 flights in preparation for job action before a deal was reached hours ahead of the walkout deadline.
The collective deadline with pilots at WestJet and its now-shut Swoop subsidiary granted a 24 per cent pay increase over four years. That agreement did not include WestJet Encore.
WestJet Encore operates roughly 35 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft throughout its regional network, including to and from the Terrace-Kitimat Northwest Regional Airport.
With files from The Canadian Press