Bargaining Update #15

Dear Members,

This week has seen important developments across our airline industry. WestJet Mainline pilots issued their Notice to Bargain on September 1, 2026, and CFAU members at Jazz Aviation voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with more than 99% support from participating members.  We extend our solidarity to both groups and will continue to follow these developments closely as they advocate for their members.

At the table this week, we presented three additional articles as initial proposals:

• Article 36 – Deadheading

• Article 44 – WestJet Savings Plan, Profit Share, and OPA

• Article 47 – Layoff and Recall

This week, we reached Agreement in Principle on two additional articles, bringing our current total to 25. These articles are:

• Article 17 – Accommodation

• Article 18 – Benefits

Several articles remain with the Company as your Bargaining Committee continues to work through outstanding items and provide responses within a reasonable timeframe. At present, 10 articles remain with the Company, and 4 articles are currently with the Union.

This week, we launched our Member Education Series to help members better understand our current Collective Agreement.  We have seen an increase in members' questions and want to ensure you have the support and information you need throughout this process, beyond the work done at the bargaining table.

Your Bargaining Committee remains committed to raising WestJet Encore to the gold standard among regional air carriers.  This means moving beyond the mindset that we are “just Encore” and instead taking pride in who we are: Encore.  We cannot achieve this alone.  We need your continued support, engagement, and solidarity as we move forward together.

If you have not yet signed your membership card, please take a few minutes to do so today.  Completing your card ensures you are recognized as a Member in Good Standing and helps strengthen our collective voice as we move through bargaining together.  Approximately 35 members have not yet signed their card and should have received an email with further information.  Alternatively, you can visit wjcomponent.ca/signacard, and complete the form.  Once submitted, a signing link will be sent to you through Adobe Sign to complete the process.

You can support your Bargaining Committee and your fellow members by:

• Signing your membership card if you have not already done so.

• Staying informed through bargaining updates and union communications.

• Participating in the Member Education Series.

• Asking questions and seeking clarification when needed.

• Sharing factual information and helping to combat misinformation.

• Supporting and encouraging your fellow members.

• Remaining engaged and united throughout the bargaining process.

In Unity, We Are Encore

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca
Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca