WestJet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the certified union representing WestJet load controllers, reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
In other news, the company issued this statement on the Encore ratification results:
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet Encore pilots, has announced that its membership did not ratify the tentative agreement, reached on April 8, 2024. The results of the ratification do not impact operations.
“We are disappointed to learn that our WestJet Encore pilots have rejected an agreement that is distinctly competitive within Canada’s airline industry and solutioned their unique concerns,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Our tentative agreement represented a robust negotiation process that got us to our final offer, and while we will meet with ALPA to determine next steps, we will hold firm on what is reasonable to ensure we can continue providing meaningful employment and affordable air travel to Canadians.”
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GWJO (msn 33969) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963185.
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
WestJet Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, today addressed key stakeholders and community members with a fulsome update on the airline’s growth strategy and vision for Atlantic Canada at a special event hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Commemorating his first visit to Nova Scotia, von Hoensbroech spoke about the WestJet Group’s commitment to growing its presence across the region through critical air connectivity. With increased leisure opportunities, achieved through the resumption of transatlantic service and increased north to south air service providing access to popular sun destinations in the winter, along with enhanced east-to-west domestic air service better connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast, the WestJet Group’s strategy is coming to fruition across Atlantic Canada.
“It is incredible to be visiting Halifax for the first time, meeting with our remarkable partners and getting to experience the tremendous Atlantic Canadahospitality firsthand,” said von Hoensbroech. “We set out our growth strategy almost two years ago, and we are seeing it well in action across Atlantic Canada; our commitment to Halifax is strong as we work to meet demand and fuel Halifax’s tourism pipeline.”
Von Hoensbroech highlighted the WestJet Group’s milestone achievements in Halifax and current and upcoming network investments serving to enhance the city’s air connectivity, while bolstering the region’s visitor economy:
From left: Julie Shaw, Master Distiller, JD Shore, Jeff Chant, JD Shore, CEO, Halifax Distilling Company, Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority, Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, CEO and Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO, Halifax Chamber of Commerce. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Propelling Halifax forward through partner collaboration and strategic investments
Taking the airline’s growth strategy to new heights in 2024 and beyond, the WestJet Group has accelerated on the following cornerstone achievements:
On April 28, 2024, the WestJet Group celebrated the takeoff of its inaugural service between Halifax and London Gatwick, the first of three critical transatlantic routes that will return to Nova Scotia’s capital this summer, bridging essential connections to global hubs, tourism and business economies.
This summer, Halifax will see a 31 per cent increase in seat capacity provided by the WestJet Group, compared to 2023.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport will have 90 weekly flights operated by the WestJet Group during peak summer this year; a 43 per cent increase in total weekly flights compared to 2023.
This map reflects WestJet Group capacity comprising WestJet and Sunwing Airlines service. (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
Connecting Halifax to the world and the world to Halifax
From enhanced domestic service, seamlessly connecting the region to Western Canada, to providing highly sought after leisure connections, WestJet continues to transform Halifax’s air connectivity through the following network enhancements:
Fulfilling longstanding requests to expand Halifax’s connectivity to popular leisure destinations, the WestJet Group has answered the call with non-stop service between Halifax and three transatlantic destinations including, Dublin, Edinburgh and London (Gatwick) this summer, as well as year-round connectivity to Orlando and seasonal service to Cancun. Additionally, as an integral part of the WestJet Group, Sunwing Airlines will provide direct access from Halifax to key leisure destinations, including Cayo Coco, Montego Bay, Santa Clara, Puerto Plata and Holguin, Punta Cana and Varadero.
WestJet will ensure Halifax remains connected to Western Canada, with year-round connectivity to the airline’s global hub in Calgary, where guests are one flight away from an expansive list of international destinations, including Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan.
This year, the WestJet Group will provide direct connectivity to 18 unique destinations out of Halifax, including six domestic, one transborder, three transatlantic and eight sun destinations.
Top Copyright Photo: WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FNWD (msn 60517) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963118.
WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today’s lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”
The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.
“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group,” concluded Pen.
Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:
Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.
WestJet has announced a significant increase in coast-to-coast travel options for Canadians with the initial release of its summer 2024 schedule. The airline is set to introduce 10 new routes and return or extend 16 routes that will continue to connect Canadians as part of its robust growth strategy. Publication of WestJet’s full summer schedule will be completed over the coming week.
Connecting Canadians Across the Country
In addition to the continued expansion of WestJet’s network with 15 new routes to and from Western Canada, this summer Eastern Canada will benefit from 11 new routes including:
New direct seasonal service between Calgary and Deer Lake, Nfld.
The return of seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Deer Lake, Nfld., Moncton, N.B., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Victoria, B.C.
44 per cent growth in Halifax, N.S. and 60 per cent growth in St. John’s, Nfld. compared to Summer 2023
Leading in Leisure
As Canada’s top choice for leisure travel, the WestJet Group will offer more capacity than any other airline for Canadians looking to fly to popular sun destinations this summer. Highlights include:
57 per cent growth in Latin and Caribbean routes over summer 2023
56 per cent increase in capacity from Toronto to sun destinations
More flights between Hawaii and Canada than any other airline, and the only airline providing year-round service between Canada and Maui-Kahului, from both Calgary and Vancouver
Transborder Growth and Expanded Access to Delta hubs
Providing increased opportunities for two-way travel between Canada and the United States, WestJet will grow transborder seat capacity by 26 per cent this summer, including 70 per cent growth to Delta hubs.
Return of summer seasonal service between Halifax and St. John’s to Orlando, Florida
More direct flights to Phoenix and Las Vegas from Western Canada than any other airline
Through WestJet’s longstanding codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests can access more than 100 U.S. destinations when connecting through the U.S. airline’s hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Los Angelesand Seattle.
WestJet guests can reach Delta’s expansive U.S. network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits anytime they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming WestJet dollars across the entire itinerary.
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