A strike that affected WestJet Airlines and its pilots’ union has ended.  The strike was announced as over by the president and CEO of the airline company, Ed Sims.  According to Sims, both groups reached an agreement to move the dispute to mediation overseen by a federal mediator.

Should the mediation attempt fail, the groups agreed to use binding arbitration.

Sims spoke publicly on the matter after the agreement was reached and said, "We are pleased with the removal of the threat of strike action, we are grateful for the role played by the government, both with their mediation services and with the offer of support with arbitration. ” He assured Canadians that they can book their flights without any concern now for a strike interfering with their travel plans.

The two sides began contract negotiations right away after the agreement to mediate was reached. 

The strike included about 1500 pilots who fly WestJet’s main service – more than 90 percent of the union’s members.  Though they were on strike, they agreed not to cause a disruption in travel plans during the Victoria Day long weekend in an effort to provide good will to the public.

According to Sims, the goal is to reach a deal by the end of June.  The airline wants to negotiate a sustainable agreement that offers benefits to pilots, but also ensures the company and WestJet customers do not suffer.  There are also concerns the airline’s Swoop ultra-low cost carrier is causing problems within the relationship between the company and the pilots.  The company reports their sales did slow because of the strike.