ALPA files unfair labour complaint against WestJet and WestJet Encore

Pilots also seek conciliation in bargaining: Union

ALPA files unfair labour complaint against WestJet and WestJet Encore
The union alleges that WestJet and WestJet Encore management violated the Canada Labour Code by directly negotiating with pilots. SHUTTERSTOCK

WestJet and WestJet Encore pilots — represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) — filed an unfair labour practice complaint and an application for an interim order with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Feb. 9.

"Management's actions are a clear violation of the Canada Labour Code, and we urge the (board) to order them to cease and desist”: Rob McFadyen, chairman of WestJet's ALPA master executive council. "Our pilots will stand up for our rights and continue to work toward a fair and reasonable collective agreement that meets the priorities of our pilots and brings stability to the airline."

ALPA also filed a notice of dispute and request for conciliation assistance with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service with regard to collective bargaining at WestJet, said the union.

The union alleges that WestJet and WestJet Encore management violated the Canada Labour Code by directly negotiating with pilots instead of with the union over key terms and conditions of employment at Swoop (an ultra-low-cost airline which is slated to begin flying this summer), interfering with ALPA's exclusive representational rights of WestJet and WestJet Encore pilots and changing  well-established pilot work rules and policies, according to ALPA.

Latest stories