Labour expert says WestJet pilots have a 'strong case' as strike looms over long weekend plans

A labour relations expert in London, Ont., says a possible WestJet pilot strike is indicative of widespread deteriorating conditions in the profession. 

The union representing 1,850 pilots at WestJet and its low-cost carrier Swoop issued a strike notice to their employer Monday night. The airline responded, saying it would lock out the pilots starting as early as 3 a.m. Friday, setting the stage for a possible strike ahead of the May long weekend. 

Negotiations between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have been ongoing since September, with the pilots voting in favour of a strike last month. Geraint Harvey, a professor at Western University and an expert on labour relations in commercial aviation, said the relationship has been strained even before the pandemic. 

"I think [the pilots] have got a fairly strong case in the sense that the terms and conditions of employment for pilots in Canada isn't especially great," said Harvey. "I mean it's a myth that pilots in Canada are earning exorbitant amounts. They simply aren't."

There is a 50 per cent deficit between the salaries of Canadian pilots and those in the United States. WestJet started as a low-cost airline and has evolved in the last 30 years to become a large carrier dependent on its staff, leading them to look for an increment bringing them in line with their US counterparts. 

"The CEO of WestJet has pointed out previously there's a very different operating context but nonetheless, the gap is significant," said Harvey. "WestJet pilots are asking for an increase, and this reflects the fact that the terms and conditions of employment have deteriorated, and this is across the board." 

The huge cost of becoming a commercial pilot has made the job even less attractive, he said.

Pilots in the high reliability industry can't make mistakes. They can lose their license at any point if they are deemed physically or mentally unfit. The demanding commitment for a starting salary of $60,000 to $80,000 is part of what's led to a labour supply shortage. 

Lockout could impact future demand 

Along with better pay, ALPA is seeking job security and more flexible schedules. 

In a release, WestJet said that issuing a lockout notice does not mean a work stoppage will occur. Without an agreement at the bargaining table, it is preparing to operate at a significantly reduced schedule, which will also affect Swoop flights.

WestJet's lockout move is an interesting choice, said Harvey. Any threat that flights will be grounded has an impact on future demand by undermining confidence in the airline's ability to fly. 

WestJet operates daily flights between London and Calgary. There are two new routes to Abbotsford and Edmonton that are set to take off on Friday. 

"I think my advice to everyone is just stay close to the information from WestJet and Swoop check their website regularly," said London International Airport president and CEO Scott McFadzean. 

"It would be great to get this negotiation over with and get back to flying and launch those flights and get everyone where they need to go. I think it's been a long three years of disruptive travel and we don't need anymore disruptions to an already fragile industry," he said. 

Impacted guests would be refunded or re-accommodated as applicable, WestJet said.