News Releases
CALGARY, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced that 92 per cent of WestJet Encore pilots represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) voted in favour of a five-year agreement. The vote represents 90 per cent of the 505 WestJet Encore pilots.
The agreement starts January 1, 2019 and expires on January 1, 2024.
"This agreement and outcome is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of WestJet, WestJet Encore pilots and all our WestJetters," said John Aaron, Vice-President, Flight Operations and General Manager, WestJet Encore. "We thank ALPA and the ALPA Master Executive Council for their continued commitment and dedication to WestJet Encore pilots, and we're pleased that by working together throughout this process we were able to solidify an agreement that is favourable to all parties."
"Throughout negotiations, we continued to communicate with our pilots and their elected representatives, and made the best use of the vast ALPA resources to achieve our goal of getting a good first deal for our pilots," said Capt. Ryan Petrie, WEN ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. "This agreement represents a step in the right direction, bringing our pilot wages closer to levels more in line with our industry peers, along with enhancing our work rules and benefit structure."
"This contract is thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our WestJet Encore negotiators and elected leadership, our pilots, and ALPA staff," acknowledged Capt. Ryan Leier, WEN MEC vice chairman. "Thanks also goes to the airline management, and the mediator for their efforts in working with us to reach this agreement."
Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on WestJet's current forecasts and strategy, the expected demand environment, the utilization of our fleet, the forward-curve for jet fuel price, the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, changes in fuel prices, delays in aircraft delivery, general economic conditions, competitive environment, ability to effectively implement and maintain critical systems, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals, and other factors and risks described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
About WestJet
Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas. Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.
WestJet is proud to be recognized for three consecutive years as Best Airline in Canada (2017-19) and awarded among travellers' favorite Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (2019). From 2017-2018, WestJet was also awarded among travellers' favourite Mid-Sized and Low-Cost Airlines in North America. The airline was also recognized among the Economy Class winners in North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.
WestJet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018/2017 Winner Among Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Winner – Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)
2018 North America's Best Low-Cost Airline (Skytrax)
2018/2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership
