WJA Pilot Union Rumours
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: N.A
WJA Pilot Union Rumours
Not trolling, generally interested in what's going on over there. Been hearing more and more rumours about the boys wanting to unionize. Anyone care to comment?
Last edited by UB6IB9; 14th April 2013 at 02:41.
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ireland
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Canada
R8TED THRUST
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Land of the midnight sun
Posts: 53
My money is on the Encore Pilots unionizing first.
What makes you think the Encore pilots will unionize first? The way I see it, they have the most to gain. My understanding is, (date of hire) flow through to Westjet mainline if, you so desire. Same standby travel priority as Westjet. Yes, the pay will increase over time but think about it for a second. Encore has everything going for this new start up, or regional if you will. You have to look at the long term plan. Westjet has changed its course over the past few years. Although Westjet remains profitable, one of their biggest hurtles, is year round frequency. They can not gain domestic advantage over Air Canada, but keep them in check with lower operating cost. It's harder every year to put people back in the seats after winter charter flying and down graded frequency.
Solution? Encore. It's only a matter of time before Encore announces Regional Jet service. The question is, will it be the RJ 700/900 or something bigger like the Bombardier C series. Westjet will become domestic long-haul and southern destinations mostly. Overtime, you could very well see Westjet mainline shrink 20-25%. It's not bad news, just economics and reality. Remember, cost, competitive edge = profit.
While I'm here with my Crystal ball, I also don't see wide bodies in their future. Yes, there's talk from time to time about WJ going that route. But, nothing more then a little pilot ball tickling, to get the pilot's excited. Westjet knows what makes money, and to leave the LCC model to go head to head with AC intercontinental just doesn't make sense. Westjet will continue to make current and future international code-share their top priority.
This is only my humble take on it. I could very well have it all backwards, just going with my gut. The one thing I can say for sure is, Westjet is here to stay and will continue its best to succeed in such a competitive industry.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Land of the midnight sun
Posts: 53
My money is on the Encore Pilots unionizing first.
What makes you think the Encore pilots will unionize first? The way I see it, they have the most to gain. My understanding is, (date of hire) flow through to Westjet mainline if, you so desire. Same standby travel priority as Westjet. Yes, the pay will increase over time but think about it for a second. Encore has everything going for this new start up, or regional if you will. You have to look at the long term plan. Westjet has changed its course over the past few years. Although Westjet remains profitable, one of their biggest hurtles, is year round frequency. They can not gain domestic advantage over Air Canada, but keep them in check with lower operating cost. It's harder every year to put people back in the seats after winter charter flying and down graded frequency.
Solution? Encore. It's only a matter of time before Encore announces Regional Jet service. The question is, will it be the RJ 700/900 or something bigger like the Bombardier C series. Westjet will become domestic long-haul and southern destinations mostly. Overtime, you could very well see Westjet mainline shrink 20-25%. It's not bad news, just economics and reality. Remember, cost, competitive edge = profit.
While I'm here with my Crystal ball, I also don't see wide bodies in their future. Yes, there's talk from time to time about WJ going that route. But, nothing more then a little pilot ball tickling, to get the pilot's excited. Westjet knows what makes money, and to leave the LCC model to go head to head with AC intercontinental just doesn't make sense. Westjet will continue to make current and future international code-share their top priority.
This is only my humble take on it. I could very well have it all backwards, just going with my gut. The one thing I can say for sure is, Westjet is here to stay and will continue its best to succeed in such a competitive industry.
Last edited by 737_driver; 11th May 2013 at 18:18.
