TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2018 /CNW/ – On Friday, August 3, 2018, the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board to represent flight dispatchers at WestJet.

As WestJet continues to grow and evolve, WestJet flight dispatchers believed it was essential to evaluate which employee representation model was best suited to represent flight dispatchers. Through this process, the dispatch group felt that now was the time to make a change and a decision was made to become members of CALDA, said National President Russ Williams.

WestJet flight dispatchers are licensed by Transport Canada and share co-authority dispatch responsibilities with the pilot in command to ensure the safe and efficient operation of nearly 500 daily WestJet Flights. WestJet flight dispatchers are excited to embark on the next chapter of the WestJet story and look forward to working with leadership to establish their first collective agreement, while continuing to contribute to the success of the airline as proud WestJet owners.

CALDA was established in 1946 and also represents the Flight Dispatchers of Air Canada, Jazz Airlines, First Air, Sunwing and Air Transat.

CALGARY, July 31, 2018 /CNW/ – At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, WestJet received an interim certification order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board confirming the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) as the certified bargaining agent for WestJet cabin crew members.

The interim certification order does not include members of Encore or Swoop cabin crew within the scope of the bargaining unit.

“We are disappointed by this outcome but respect the rights of our employees to choose their representation,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “We now shift our focus to working effectively with CUPE in the interest of success for WestJet as a whole.”

The interim nature of the order allows WestJet to make submissions by August 10, 2018 on the exclusion of certain positions from the scope of the bargaining unit.

CALGARY, July 31, 2018 /CNW/ – WestJet (TSX: WJA) today announced its second quarter results for 2018, with a net loss of $20.8 million, or $0.18 per fully diluted share. This result compares with net earnings of $48.6 million, or $0.41 per fully diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2017. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 7.7 per cent, down from 9.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2017. Year-to-date, WestJet recorded net earnings of $16.4 million, or $0.14 per fully diluted share.

“The impact of the threat of industrial action, in combination with the dramatic increase in fuel price and competitive capacity provided particularly significant challenges in the second quarter.” Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “While we are disappointed with these results, all WestJetters can take great satisfaction from the successful delivery of key strategic initiatives like Swoop and WestJet Link.”

Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)

*Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations.

Dividend declaration
On July 30, 2018, WestJet’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per common voting share and variable voting share for the third quarter of 2018, to be paid on September 28, 2018, to shareholders of record on September 12, 2018. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.

ATLANTA and CALGARY, July 19, 2018 /CNW/ – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and WestJet (TSX: WJA) have signed a definitive agreement to create a comprehensive transborder joint venture arrangement that will offer customers an extensive route network within the U.S. and Canada.

“Delta’s future is global and together with WestJet, we can augment the two airlines’ capabilities and bring together our strengths in this important trans-border market,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “Combined, we will be able to offer more destinations to customers with an integrated network, superior airline products, improved airport connections and significantly enhanced frequent flyer benefits. The JV will provide an unmatched passenger experience for customers travelling between the U.S. and Canada.”

“WestJet continues its drive toward becoming a global airline, and the signing of this agreement marks a major milestone in that journey,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “Working together with Delta, the premier U.S. carrier, we are looking forward to providing enhanced offerings and more choice for guests. The joint venture will allow us to maximize our existing partnership with Delta to benefit customers by bringing greater competition to the trans-border market.”

The agreement deepens the existing codeshare partnership between the carriers and follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in December 2017 announcing the intention to form a joint venture. The joint venture will provide substantial reach into Canada and the U.S. with transborder service to more than 30 cities covering over 95 per cent of U.S.-Canada demand, providing customers of both airlines with more travel choices than ever before. The new JV will also enable Delta and WestJet to compete more effectively against other carriers.

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CALGARY, July 10, 2018 /CNW/ – WestJet today issued the following statement from President and CEO Ed Sims regarding the application for certification of its cabin crew members. WestJet received formal notice from Canada’s Industrial Relations Board today at 11:49 a.m. ET.

“We respect the rights of our employees to choose their representation. Although we prefer to work directly with our employee groups as we have since 1996, we are dedicated to moving forward and will concentrate on the continued success of the organization for guests, employees and shareholders.”