WestJet Encore Pilots Stand United for Strike Action

In a resounding call for improved working conditions and fair compensation, pilots at WestJet Encore have cast a decisive vote in favor of striking, marking a critical juncture in their ongoing contract negotiations. This move underscores the escalating tension between the regional carrier's pilots and management over issues such as pay scales, work schedules, and pathways for career advancement.

An overwhelming 97% of the pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), participated in the vote, with 89% turnout among union members. This significant mandate signals a strong collective resolve among the 335 pilots at WestJet Encore, a key player in Canada's aviation sector providing essential connectivity for up to a million Canadians through feeder flights into WestJet's broader network.

The push towards strike action, potentially lasting up to 72 hours, stems from concerns over WestJet Encore pilots being the lowest-paid in the Canadian regional airline sector. Many pilots view their tenure at Encore as a stepping stone, aiming to transition to better-paying opportunities within the industry once they have accrued sufficient experience. This situation has led to a high turnover rate, with pilots moving on to competitors such as Porter, Jazz, Air Canada, or international carriers, in search of more lucrative and stable careers.

Carin Kenny, leading the WestJet Encore union group, highlighted the unsustainable "revolving door" phenomenon, where pilots depart for greener pastures as soon as they gain the necessary experience. This dynamic poses significant challenges for WestJet Encore in maintaining a stable and experienced workforce to fulfill its critical role in Canada's air travel infrastructure.

In response to the looming strike threat, Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that a strike authorization vote is a standard element of labor negotiations and does not guarantee that a strike will take place. Pen affirmed the company's dedication to reaching a fair agreement with ALPA that addresses the specific concerns of Encore pilots, ensuring competitive compensation within the industry and securing a sustainable future for the airline.

This development comes on the heels of a narrowly avoided strike last year, which saw more than 230 flights canceled in anticipation of a walkout involving WestJet and Swoop, leading to a 24% pay increase over four years for the pilots.

As labor tensions rise, the potential strike at WestJet Encore not only highlights the ongoing struggles within the airline industry for equitable pay and working conditions but also underscores the critical importance of regional carriers in connecting communities across Canada.