Canadian airline WestJet has begun grounding aircraft to minimize
operational disruption and side effects ahead of Friday’s planned strike
by pilots.
WestJet Group is carrying out a lockout so it can take
down its network in an orderly way. Canceling flights gradually will
avoid stranding aircraft in remote locations without support and allow
communication with customers to change their plans before their
scheduled flights.
The labor action will negatively impact cargo customers,
including companies utilizing the all-cargo network WestJet launched
barely one month ago with three Boeing 737-800 converted freighters.
“The
decision to cancel flights comes as the WestJet Group remains in a
stalemate with the union regarding unreasonable wage expectations that
if realized would permanently damage the financial viability of the
group’s future,” the company said in a statement Wednesday night.
“We
deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our
guests and the communities and businesses that rely on our critical air
service,” said CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. “We remain at a critical
impasse with the union and have been left with no choice but to begin
taking the painful steps of preparing for the reality of a work
stoppage.”
WestJet said it is parking the majority of its Boeing
737 narrow-body and 787 long-haul fleet in a phased approach. Bookings
have started to decrease because of the uncertainty surrounding future
operations.
More than 1,800 pilots, represented by the Air Line
Pilots Association, want to be compensated similarly to their
counterparts at other North American carriers. WestJet officials say
giving Canadian pilots U.S.-type compensation is not feasible because of
wide differences in the nations’ economies and that its proposal would
make its narrow-body crews the highest paid in Canada.
Pilots in the U.S. typically make twice as much as those in Canada.
ALPA disputes WestJet’s characterization of industry wages.
Air
Canada’s 5,000 pilots officially joined ALPA this week. Having more
Canadian pilots represented by one union will allow them to more
effectively influence the Canadian government and employers as they push
for a North American standard wage.
