WestJet and Swoop Ratify Employment Contract in Preparation for Integration

A new four-year employment contract that includes pay increases and job security has been ratified for WestJet and Swoop pilots.

A statement released by the Air Line Pilots Association, (ALPA), which represents the pilots, praised the new and its “industry-leading pay increases, strong job-security protections, and major scheduling and quality-of-life improvements.”

About 87 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots voted in favor of the new agreement.

“Since negotiations began, we have been clear that our experienced and dedicated pilots deserve a contract that delivers on the goals of better job security, enhanced compensation, and more flexible schedules to allow for a better work/life balance,” said Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC).

PHOTO: An artist's rendering of a Swoop Boeing 737-800 in flight. WestJet will transfer 10 of these aircraft to the new ULCC. (Image courtesy of WestJet)

With the employment agreement being finalized, WestJet said it will begin integrating Swoop, an ultra-low-cost carrier, into its operations by the end of October, according to Reuters.

"This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests," WestJet said in a statement on Friday. "Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the ultra-low-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience.”

The deal between WestJet and Swoop is expected to provide increased competition for rival airline Air Canada. Current plans call for Swoop to continue operating its existing network until the end of October. After that, Swoop employees will move to WestJet, according to the airline's statement.

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