WestJet Encore services Medicine Hat Regional Airport. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

WestJet Encore flight disruptions averted after agreement reached

May 30, 2024 | 2:01 PM

WestJet has averted disruptions to its low-cost Encore service that would have grounded flights out of many regional Alberta airports after a tentative agreement was reached Thursday with the union representing pilots.

Flights out of Medicine Hat Regional Airport, Lethbridge and other airports would have been cancelled if a planned strike went ahead as early as 6 p.m. on Saturday.

WestJet Airlines CEO Diederik Pen said the deal reached with Air Line Pilots Association International meets key union demands and remains financially viable for the airline.

“The tentative agreement we have reached today provides an offer that is fair and sustainable, and better aligns with key priorities as identified by ALPA, while firmly adhering to the financial parameters that set a critical foundation in the original agreement,” Pen said.

Pen also acknowledged the impact the lockout notice had on fliers this week.

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While our number one priority remains fulfilling our commitment to our guests, through affordable air service, we cannot compromise on what is reasonable and protects the future employment for everyone across the WestJet Group,” he said.

“I am confident our agreement achieves this.”

READ: WestJet Encore to offer one flight daily from Medicine Hat to Calgary

It’s not the only time union negotiations nearly led to disruptions at WestJet this year. In May, a strike between the airline and its mechanics union was narrowly avoided.