Pilots at Onex Corp's (ONEX.TO) WestJet Group gave notice on Monday that could allow for strike action as early as May 19, raising the possibility of travel disruptions during Canada's Victoria Day holiday next weekend.
"Today the WestJet Pilots MEC (Master Executive Council) issued a 72 hours strike notice. If no progress is made, we could withdraw our services at 0300 MT May 19th, 2023. Our negotiating committee remains available 24/7 to reach a deal," the WestJet ALPA Pilots union said in a tweet.
WestJet has issued a lockout notice in response to the union's strike notification, saying that a work stoppage could potentially occur on May 19, the date given by the union.
North American pilots are pressing for higher salaries and better scheduling after aviators made big gains in a recent deal with Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) that delivers a 34% pay increase over four years. In Canada, pilots want better scheduling and to close the gap between their pay and higher amounts earned by their U.S. counterparts.
Calgary-based WestJet said the carrier wants an agreement that is competitive within Canada's airline industry.
