WestJet setting themselves up for disasterPilots are in high demand right now and there is a serious shortage of them. They are being offered double and sometimes triple salaries from Carriers overseas. Pilots and crew have a lot of choices and WestJet has been quoted saying “the airline's plan is to take 10 of its existing Boeing 737s, paint them, add more seats, hire a cheaper crew, and get in the air with low prices and no-frills service”.
Cheaper crew?
The ALPA officially started its drive at WestJet in December of 2016, after many months of laying the groundwork. WestJet pilots tried to start an in-house union in the summer of 2015. But it failed, with 55 per cent of pilots voting against certification.
Westjet know Canada JetLines is coming and coming strong. This is their attempt to keep control of the Canadian market but sorry Westjet, I see a big fumble coming. Westjet shareholders aren’t impressed either as you can see with its stock slipping for the second day in a row since the announcement.
From what I have heard - JetLines is ramping up and will be releasing its plans with a lot of great things in the next few weeks. 20 cents is a gift right now! GL ALL