WestJet Pilots file strike notice, company issues lockout notice

The Air Line Pilots Association, the union that represents WestJet pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice to WestJet management and the government.

Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council said, "After nine months of negotiating, management still fails to understand today’s labour market conditions, leading to a mass exodus of our pilots in search of better work opportunities, and more will follow if this agreement does not meet our pilots’ needs."

In response, the WestJet Group has issued a lockout notice to the Air Line Pilots Association, the union that represents WestJet and Swoop pilots.

A work stoppage could occur as early as Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3 am MT.

"The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union today, was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer.

Both parties remain at the bargaining table.