At 8 o’clock last night (Mon), West Jet pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, issued a 72-hour strike notice. If a contract agreement hasn’t be met, as of Friday morning, WestJet pilots can take job action, which could include grounding all aircraft and shutting down operations. In response the WestJet Group has announced a lockout notice for the same time period.

A news release from the union says Flight disruptions are never an ideal outcome but its members will withdraw services to secure a contract that will fix many of the airline’s labour problems. According to the union, a WestJet pilot leaves every 18 hours – mostly to fly for the company’s competitors. The union believes the right contract will go a long way to rectify the attraction and retention crisis.

The WestJet Group says it is preparing to operate on a reduced schedule, which will mean a significant reduction from WestJet and Swoop’s current networks.