WestJet Encore Pilots File Notice to Open Contract Negotiations with Management

[dontcallmeshirley]

I look forward to Encore pilots getting an industry leading contract that sets the bar high for the next airline to negotiate!

Calgary, Alb.—On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the WestJet Encore Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) announced to WestJet Encore management its intention to open contract negotiations on the pilot group’s second collective agreement.

“Our pilot group leaders and Negotiating Committee have been working hard over the last several months to come in fully prepared on day one of negotiations,” said Capt. Carin Kenny, WestJet Encore MEC chair. “While the MEC remains optimistic that we can negotiate a fair contract with management in a reasonable amount of time, we are only half of the equation.”

Based on clear direction from the pilot group, the ALPA negotiators are steadfast in their commitment to solving three major problems: seniority, career recognition, and career progression.

“While wages and working conditions are a major focus for most labour negotiations, it is crucial for management to understand that without any drastic improvement on career progression, seniority, and career recognition, there is no reason for an Encore pilot to stay,” Kenny continued. “Unfortunately, despite a mass exodus of pilots from our ranks already this year, management has been unwilling to address the main concerns of the Encore pilots or provide a solution we all know would fix their problems and ours.”

With contract talks now set to formally begin, the WestJet Encore pilots will face important decisions during contract negotiations in the coming months. It is time for WestJet Encore management to recognize their pilots worth, value their experience, and provide long-term solutions regarding wages, working conditions, seniority, career recognition, and career progression.

WestJet Encore, the regional carrier for WestJet Airlines and fourth largest operator of the Q400 series, is based on Calgary, flies to nearly 40 destination across Canada, and employs nearly 400 pilots.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 75,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
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[gopherblack]

Any idea how much wage increase is expected?

[dontcallmeshirley]

Any idea how much wage increase is expected?

Too early to tell. I will not accept anything less than current take home, MOA4 $850/mo moved into the pay scale, and other WAWCon improvements such as full-credit deadhead pay (up from 50%), pairing pool that you can trade to/from like the new WS agreement, and codified flow and REIP replacement.

[airway]

Any idea how much wage increase is expected?

Too early to tell. I will not accept anything less than current take home, MOA4 $850/mo moved into the pay scale, and other WAWCon improvements such as full-credit deadhead pay (up from 50%), pairing pool that you can trade to/from like the new WS agreement, and codified flow and REIP replacement.

Hi Shirley

For those of us who don't know the acronyms, could you break it down a bit? Are you saying your current take home pay is OK?




.

[dontcallmeshirley]

Any idea how much wage increase is expected?

Too early to tell. I will not accept anything less than current take home, MOA4 $850/mo moved into the pay scale, and other WAWCon improvements such as full-credit deadhead pay (up from 50%), pairing pool that you can trade to/from like the new WS agreement, and codified flow and REIP replacement.

Hi Shirley

For those of us who don't know the acronyms, could you break it down a bit? Are you saying your current take home pay is OK?

MOA4 is Memorandum of Agreement 4. It's an agreement where the company offered us $850 per month and increased everyone's pay step by 2 steps.

WAWCon is Wage and Working Condition.

WS is WestJet.

REIP is an agreement ending in December called the Regional Experience Incentive Program which gave flowing pilots money for two years to reduce the pay cut when moving to the jets.

[co-joe]

The ALPA press release says 340 pilots, and the article says "nearly 400 pilots". It sounds like they're losing people so fast they can't keep up with the numbers. Does anyone know how many tails are parked for lack of crew now?

[dontcallmeshirley]

Does anyone know how many tails are parked for lack of crew now?

At least ten tails.

[CaptDukeNukem]

Does anyone know how many tails are parked for lack of crew now?

At least ten tails.

That would equal roughly 60 pilots at low staffing levels. The different between Alpa press release and article.

The exact difference between 400 and 340 from both sides

[dontcallmeshirley]

Does anyone know how many tails are parked for lack of crew now?

At least ten tails.

That would equal roughly 60 pilots at low staffing levels. The different between Alpa press release and article.

The exact difference between 400 and 340 from both sides

[apetogetherstrong]

NO LESS THAN 100K STARTING PAY!!! Strike until they pay!

[North Shore]

Perhaps a little correction is in order - the planes *are not* parked because of a lack of crew - they’re parked because of a lack of pay. If a company were to lead the pack in pay and benefits, then they’d have no problem filling seats.

[thepoops]

Perhaps a little correction is in order - the planes *are not* parked because of a lack of crew - they’re parked because of a lack of pay. If a company were to lead the pack in pay and benefits, then they’d have no problem filling seats.

Agreed! If they paid 90k to start they wouldn't have to park planes. Simple math

[yow22]

Does anyone know what the actual starting salary is for an encore FO?

[dontcallmeshirley]

Does anyone know what the actual starting salary is for an encore FO?

Yes.

$52.51 * 75 hours per month + $850 (MOA4) = $4788.25

$57459 per year. Estimated take home around $40,000 /year.

[rookiepilot]

Does anyone know what the actual starting salary is for an encore FO?

Yes.

$52.51 * 75 hours per month + $850 (MOA4) = $4788.25

$57459 per year. Estimated take home around $40,000 /year.

That....is brutal.

[futboler14]

Does anyone know what the actual starting salary is for an encore FO?

Yes.

$52.51 * 75 hours per month + $850 (MOA4) = $4788.25

$57459 per year. Estimated take home around $40,000 /year.

That....is brutal.

Air Canada is $65.03/hr.

$65.03 * 75 = 4,877.25/month or $58,527/year.

[canadian_aviator_4]

Does anyone know what the actual starting salary is for an encore FO?

Yes.

$52.51 * 75 hours per month + $850 (MOA4) = $4788.25

$57459 per year. Estimated take home around $40,000 /year.

That....is brutal.

Brutal but improving at least. Take home at jazz before latest pay increase was under 30k/yr for first year Fo. I agree though. Year 1 FO 100k at least.

[Me262]

Yes.

$52.51 * 75 hours per month + $850 (MOA4) = $4788.25

$57459 per year. Estimated take home around $40,000 /year.

That....is brutal.

Air Canada is $65.03/hr.

$65.03 * 75 = 4,877.25/month or $58,527/year.

Is this for the mainline? Lower than Jazz MMG 82.5, 5364.975/mth or 64380/yr?

[futboler14]

That....is brutal.

Air Canada is $65.03/hr.

$65.03 * 75 = 4,877.25/month or $58,527/year.

Is this for the mainline? Lower than Jazz MMG 82.5, 5364.975/mth or 64380/yr?

I mean Mainline.