After weeks of uncertainty, WestJet pilots have reached an agreement with the airline to conduct a settlement process through federal mediation.
“WestJet guests can now book and travel with confidence,” the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents WestJet’s pilots, said in a press release on Friday.
WestJet’s pilots have been working towards their first collective agreement since September. Earlier this month, 91 per cent of WestJet pilots voted in support of a strike following months of negotiation.
However, the airline and the pilots agreed on Friday to pursue mediation, followed by a binding arbitration if required. As part of this settlement, which is expected to be reached in June, pilots who fly for WestJet’s budget carrier, Swoop, will all be unionized under the same collective agreement.
The mediation/arbitration process will conclude by late June, when #WestJet pilots will secure their first-ever collective agreement
— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 26, 2018
.@WestJetPilots decided that this process will bring the best outcome for not only our pilots, but our passengers and our airline #ownerscare
— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 26, 2018
#ICYMI @WestJet pilots will now fly all #WestJet planes, including @FlySwoop, under one collective agreement #winning
— WestJet ALPA Pilots (@WestJetALPA) May 26, 2018
