WestJet pilots to launch strike authorization vote as negotiations fizzle

The union representing WestJet pilots will launch a strike authorization vote Monday as contract talks with management drag on, the Air Line Pilots Association said Friday. Bernard Lewall, who heads ALPA Canada's WestJet contingent, said its 1,600-person membership is “frustrated” after six months of bargaining with a company he claims has failed to seriously engage with it. The issues revolve around wages, scheduling and work conditions at WestJet and its discount subsidiary Swoop,