WestJet‘s first-ever union talks hit turbulence

WestJet Airlines‘ first-ever round of union negotiations hit some turbulence after the association that represents pilots applied for govt intervention in contract talks — and even filed a complaint against the company. The Air Line Pilots Association says contract talks with WestJet began in September, but both sides remain far apart on many important issues, such as job protections and working conditions for pilots. “Negotiations are going quite poorly,” said a member of the pilot association‘s executive council. The union has applied for federal govt conciliators to help both sides reach an agreement. The association has also filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board over WestJet‘s alleged tactics of hiring pilots for Swoop, its new ULCC expected to launch in June. <br/>