“It is great news for travellers, especially those in our town and region.”
That’s the initial reaction from the Prince George Airport Authority’s President and CEO, Gord Duke, hearing Westjet Encore pilots reached a tentative agreement with the company and will not be striking.
The deal comes two days before the pilots could have issued a 72-hour strike notice.
“Having the additional capacity that Encore brings to the table is really helpful for folks when they book their flight,” he said. “It makes booking much more stable heading into the summer period.”
Carin Kenney, president of the Airline Pilots Association union local, says the deal offers improved job security, pay in line with industry standards, and better scheduling.
The deal must still be approved by the union’s 355 members
Kenney says WestJet Encore pilots were the lowest-paid among regional airlines in Canada, but this deal will go a long way towards changing that.
Duke added Westjet is adding a 737 flight direct to Calgary from Prince George later this month, doubling current number of Prince George to Calgary seats.
–Â With files from the Vista National News Wire