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Airline celebrates second Randstad Award

CALGARY, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet is celebrating being named Canada's most attractive employer for the second year in a row, according to the annual award given by Randstad Canada, a staffing, recruitment and HR company.

According to Randstad, WestJet is seen as the company offering the most pleasant work atmosphere, the most interesting job content, the strongest management and good training opportunities. The Randstad Award rewards and encourages best practices in building the best employer brands, and is the only employer award where winners are chosen entirely by workers and job seekers in search of employment opportunities within Canada's leading organizations. WestJet garnered the number one spot based on polling conducted by ICMA International in February and March of 2013.

"We certainly appreciate being recognized for creating an atmosphere where people can do their best work," said Gregg Saretsky, President and CEO of WestJet Airlines. "WestJet has very consciously created a culture where people are empowered, respected and valued. We have a dedicated department devoted to upholding our model of employee engagement in addition to profit share, flexible work hours and in some cases, the ability to work from home.  The model may be simple but it isn't easy, it is just the right thing to do."

WestJet receives 60,000 to 80,000 resumes every year, and those who are chosen are often perceived as a cultural fit in addition to being qualified. Nearly 50 per cent of the 1,900 to 2,400 jobs available each year at the company are filled internally.

"Canadian job seekers and employees have spoken, and for the second year in a row have chosen WestJet as Canada's Most Attractive Employer," says Jan Hein Bax, President, Randstad Canada. "WestJet continues to epitomize the type of organization that an extremely large demographic of the Canadian workforce perceives as an exceptional employer. The company's ability to cultivate a positive employer brand continues to differentiate WestJet in the Canadian marketplace and ensures its ability to attract the type of talent that drives incredibly positive business results."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. 

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SOURCE: WestJet