Release #: WEN 24.09
June 14, 2024

WestJet Encore Pilots Ratify Collective Agreement with Improvements to Pay and Working Conditions

CALGARY, ALB.—WestJet Encore pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have ratified a new five-year contract with pay increases that set a new standard for regional pilots and more flexible schedules to allow for a better work/life balance.

Of the 91 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots, 79 percent voted in favour of the agreement, which shows WestJet management the importance of recognizing the value and expertise their pilots bring to the WestJet Group.

“The ratification of this contract is a step toward our company and our pilots working together to put the airline in a more competitive position,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, chair of the WestJet Encore ALPA Master Executive Council. “Since negotiations began, we were clear that to attract new pilots to the WestJet Group and retain the ones currently flying for our airline, we needed a contract that provides competitive compensation, improved scheduling flexibility, and a level of career progression.”

In the past, working at WestJet Encore was recognized as the first step toward a successful career within the WestJet Group. For the past several years, however, the airline has been little more than a training ground for pilots who choose to take their experience and fly elsewhere.

“We are hopeful that this contract, which is industry-leading in many ways for a regional carrier, will make the WestJet Group a desired career choice once again for pilots,” continued Kenny.

The contract goes into effect immediately, with retroactive pay to January 1, 2024, and will expire December 31, 2028.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 78,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org