Union-less WestJet will soon be a very different airline, at least from a labour relations perspective, with news that WestJet’s pilots are closer than ever to union representation. WestJet’s pilots filed membership cards today with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to hold an election for representation by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

"WestJet pilots told us they are ready for a certified union," said ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll. "Now is the time for them to take the next step and vote for ALPA in order to obtain the resources available to secure their goals."

In the next few weeks, the CIRB will verify the membership cards and schedule an ALPA representation vote, which ALPA expects will be conducted in May.

"WestJet pilots have demonstrated the pilot unity needed to certify a union on the property, and we believe WestJet pilots will be successful in their election for ALPA representation," Canoll said. "The WestJet pilots work for a profitable and productive company, and with the vast resources available through ALPA representation, they will begin the process to legally negotiate the terms of their employment and establish a collective bargaining agreement under the Canada Labour Code that other union-represented aviation groups in Canada enjoy today."

ALPA Canada president Capt. Dan Adamus added, "WestJet pilots play a crucial role in the success of their airline and we look forward to their contributions to advancing success with ALPA as we work together to achieve our mutual objectives."

ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing 55,000 pilots at 32 airlines in North America.  They already represent flight crew at numerous Canadian carriers including Air Georgian, Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, Canadian North, First Air, Jazz Aviation, Kelowna Flightcraft, and Wasaya.

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