WestJet planes could be grounded as early as Friday

WestJet airline pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the company and the government, according to the union representing them.

The Air Line Pilots association specifies that as early as Friday morning, there could be a grounding of all the company’s planes and a stoppage of operations just before the arrival of a three-day leave in Canada.

Bernard Lewall, who represents WestJet pilots for the union, talks about many labor problems at the airline.

WestJet responded with a lockout notice, saying a work stoppage could occur Friday at 3 a.m. mountain daylight time.

“The decision to issue a lockout notice in response to union action has not been taken lightly and we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this has caused our customers,” Fr. – WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech in a statement.

However, the press release adds that the two parties remain at the negotiating table.

WestJet assures that travelers affected by flight delays or cancellations will be reimbursed or relocated.

The union represents some 1,600 crew members at WestJet and its subsidiary Swoop.

Last week, Bernard Lewall said the sticking points were job protection, pay and schedules. Some 340 pilots have left the carrier over the past year and a half, mostly to join other airlines.

The Calgary-based airline says its pilots are among the best paid in Canada, but that a contract of employment comparable to those recently obtained by certain groups of pilots in the United States would be financially unfeasible and put the future of the business in danger.

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