WestJet pilots prepare for strike with ‘informational picket’

WestJet pilots are planning to hold an “informational picket” early next week as a precursor to possible job action.

Hundreds of pilots will host the picket at Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Calgary International Airport on Monday, said the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents 1,600 WestJet pilots.

The picket comes about a week before pilots are in a position to take legal job action or face a lockout by management.

Negotiations between the company and the union started in September.

Following a federal conciliation process, both sides are now in a 21-day cooling-off period that ends May 16. That means pilots would be in strike position leading up to the busy May long weekend and could affect travel for thousands of Canadians planning a summer vacation.