Canada's WestJet CEO faces labor headwinds as pilots weigh strike

WestJet Airlines' new CEO is facing his first major test as the Canadian carrier's pilots weigh strike action and larger rival Air Canada Thursday offered to accommodate travellers if there is a disruption. WestJet CEO Ed Sims, who stepped into the top job in March, said earlier this month that he aimed to reach a first agreement with unionized pilots this year. WestJet pilots voted in May 2017 to join the Air Line Pilots Association union. ALPA said it intends to begin intensive talks with WestJet starting Friday. Management agreed to meet for only 14 days of bargaining during a 60-day conciliation process, the union said in a Wednesday statement. "We are committed to negotiating for the next two weeks straight," said Captain Rob McFadyen, chairman of WestJet’s ALPA Master Executive Council. "Our focus is on getting an agreement." McFadyen said the two sides remained apart over issues like outsourcing and compensation. He said WestJet pilots are looking for compensation "comparable to other pilots in our segment of the industry," which includes Air Canada.<br/>