The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) opened voting for ALPA representation to 1,400-plus eligible WestJet pilots today. The voting will end at noon on Friday, May 12, and the Board will announce the results soon after.
A strong majority of WestJet pilots filed membership cards with the Board on April 20, seeking the opportunity to vote for ALPA representation, and the CIRB verified the cards the following week. This election gives WestJet pilots the chance to vote for a seat at the table, and a binding collective agreement with a certified union with the substantial resources they need to make that happen.
This is an opportunity for the WestJet pilots to gain a voice with their management. And as WestJet continues to announce strategic growth opportunities that directly affect pilots, that voice is needed now more than ever.
Adding more than 1,400 pilots to ALPA’s advocacy in Ottawa and around the world will also further advance the aviation profession, especially as airline pilots in Canada face the impending implementation of flight- and duty-time rules, coming this summer.
You can follow the vote with ALPA (@WeAreALPA) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #TimeToVoteALPA.