WestJet has ratified a contract with Swoop pilots to integration the airline into its main ops.
WestJet and pilots at its budget carrier Swoop ratified a new four-year agreement for pay hikes and job security, the Air Line Pilots Association International ALPA said on Friday.
As negotiated in the agreement, WestJet said it will begin integrating the low-cost airline into its mainline operations by the end of October.
This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests, WestJet said in a statement.
Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the low-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer exceptional travel options through to a premium inflight experience. The deal is expected to put pressure on Air Canada as the larger rival faces a call from its pilots to narrow the earnings gap with higher-paid aviators in the United States.
After U.S. aviators made big gains in a recent deal with Delta Air Lines, North American pilots are demanding higher pay and better scheduling.
Swoop will operate its existing network until October 28, and Swoop employees will shift to WestJet, WestJet said in a statement.
The agreement will be effective January 1, 2023, and will be effective until December 31, 2026.