Westjetters back Regional Airline 91% say yes

[jetsetfly]

WestJet Airlines Ltd. employees have overwhelmingly endorsed management’s plans to launch a regional subsidiary that will start short-haul flights in 2013.

Calgary-based WestJet also announced that its quarterly dividend will rise to 6 cents a share from 5 cents for shareholders of record on March 14, payable on March 30. As well, the carrier intends to buy back up to 5 per cent of its stock over the next year.
WestJet chief executive officer Gregg Saretsky said he’s pleased that non-union employees, known internally as WestJetters, voted in favour of creating a wholly owned regional division.

Of those who cast ballots, 91 per cent approved management’s proposal to order up to 40 turboprops for short-haul service.

“The opportunity presented to WestJetters has been very well received and I thank them for their input and consideration in this important matter,” Mr. Saretsky said in a statement, noting that many communities are clamouring for WestJet to arrive.

“There are not many organizations that would put such a strategic decision in front of the employees for their input and approval,” added Antonio Faiola, a WestJet flight attendant who represents employees on the carrier’s board of directors.

WestJet said it will now move to the next phase by holding talks with two aircraft manufacturers, namely Bombardier Inc. for the Q400 and ATR for its ATR 72-600.

In the fourth quarter, WestJet posted a $35.6-million profit, down 4.3 per cent from $37.2-million in the same period of 2010. For the full 12 months of 2011, the carrier had a $148.7-million profit, up 65 per cent from $90.2-million in 2010.

WestJet expects its expenses for jet fuel, excluding hedging, will range from 93 cent to 95 cents a litre in the first quarter, up 9 per cent to 12 per cent from the same period in 2011.

On the revenue side, “our forward bookings remain healthy as we have not seen any negative impact despite the ongoing broader economic uncertainty,” Mr. Saretsky said.

[watermeth]

91% wow
where do we apply ?

[gtanorth]

Where do you apply?? Canadian Airlines International -- oops sorry -just looking into the future or is it past or is it that the past is going to be the future I'm confused. But West Jet has made the first step into its last step.

[flyer 1492]

And the race to the bottom starts.....

[TopperHarley]

And the race to the bottom starts.....

Maybe we should wait to see what wage/working conditions get voted in before making a statement like that...

[bmc]

Interesting how both major airlines in Canada treat their employees like they treat their customers.

Well done Westjet. Hope to fly you one day.

It' a good thing you don't have the negative attitudes other carriers pilots have.

[mduffy]

With wages guarenteed to be 20% less than the competitions, this is a mathematically-assured race to the bottom.

Thanks guys.

[Zapp Brannigan]

Sometimes I wish the web wasn't anonymous for negative posts. That way when your application ends up in WestJet regional's pile,your name can be seen as the one who had the big remark on Avcanada before ANY facts about the regional could be seen.

Guys who jump to conclusions so fast are guys I never want to fly or work with.

And yes I have and will apply WJ or Jazz or whoever is around in the regional game a year from now, and be leaving a job with a good carrier.

[DH772]

91% in favor for a regional airline. Way to go Ironic how WJ strongly believes starting a regional airline will benefit their overall growth/sees lots of potential for it, and how AC wants nothing to do with it's main regional carrier. I have no doubt this will be nothing but great results for WJ because they will not overlook details and make sure everything is covered. oh and treat their regional carrier with respect seeing as they will be contributing to the success of their airline!

I think this is a great step and soon will be the envy of regional careers and not a race to bottom!

[Realitychex]

With wages guarenteed to be 20% less than the competitions, this is a mathematically-assured race to the bottom.

Thanks guys.

That's how WJ started in 1996.

How does the WJ narrow body comp package and job security compare to those at other airlines in Canada these days?

[TKTguy]

Congrats WS good move. You need the regional feed to grow other markets. I for one may be looking to apply too.
I love the idea of treating your regional employees well.

[Tiny Voices]

Yup! Race to the bottom alright. How dare those bastards after 16 years of evolution pay me a great wage, give me a great schedule every month through a democratic bidding process, awesome overtime rules, and six weeks of vacation a year. They ought to be strung up and shot! Lot of fixation on this 80% number. It has been made clear, and I've asked, that 80% is the minimum with 100% being the maximum. And who knows? Five years down the road if this thing is the success that is being counted on, we could very well be looking at an industry leading compensation package. It's that darned evolution thing I mentioned up above. Folks, the vote was on the idea. Now the hard work begins with obtaining the OC, accepting proposals from aircraft manufactures and selecting the type that fits best, and establishing the WOWCON. Any of the nay-sayers here have you had access to the M.O.A., asked the tough questions at the town halls - and there's no questions being asked here that haven't already been asked by the pilot group - or walked in to the CEO, COO, or any EVP's open office and asked wtf? Its been nothing short of an open and honest forum, with open and honest answers. Very exciting times ahead, and 1100 (and growing) pilots, along with 7000 other employees are counting on, and have confidence that our leadership is going about this the right way...at least 91% of those who voted do.

[highlander]

As a WJ'er- F/O - When I first heard about the regional airline I also had lots of questions/concerns. Keep in mind that this first part- or today's announcement was simply a vote to see if we would agree in pursuing a regional airline. 91% of us said yes.

It's easy to slam the idea. But so far, I would argue that nothing is concrete.

1) Wages- we do not yet know exactly what we will pay. Yes numbers have been tossed out there in terms of %- but no actual figure

2) Even a/c type has not been determined Q400 or ATR?

3) Pairings and destinations to be determined. We don't know if they will be 1-5 day pairings like we currently have or something different

4) Bases- or more specifically- where will these planes be based to start.

Personally, I am excited for the future. For those of you who might be interested, and for those of you who crtiticize the idea- someone said to me just before joining WJ- (where, I would be taking a 50% pay cut in the first year). "Short term pain for the long term gain" I have no regrets.

This is an amazing opportunity and for those of you who think you might be interested, WJ'ers will be here, including myself, to welcome you to this family!


Now I'll sit back and let everyone on this forum critique me

[NovaBoy]

Congrats WS, I'm sure whatever you folks do the regional division will be just as successful as Westjet itself. I for one am interested in applying there as I have learned that the flying I really enjoy the most is regional flying.

[flyer 1492]

There was an article in the Calgary Herald last week where Greg made reference Toronto and Calgary as being the bases for Westjet lite division.

Here are some numbers to support the race to the bottom. I used Jazz's F/O first year as an example.

1st year wages are as follows:

41.20/hour X 85 hours= $42,024.00 per year

$42,024.00 X 80% = $33,619.20 per year

Subtract Federal tax at 15% = $5,042.88

Subtract Profit Sharing at 10% = 3361.92

Subtract 50% of benefits (assuming a family) 200.00/month is 2,400.00

Will leave you with 22,814.40 for the year divide that by 26

Leaves you with 877.48 per pay period

Explain to me how some one is supposed to live (unless he or she lives with mom and pop).

[highlander]

Well flyer 1492- obviously this might not be your cup of tea. I'll be candid with you. I started at the company making 40,000 a year GROSS. I did 20% ESP and benefits. I don't have my exact take-home pay but I am sure someone could figure that out. I am married. I have 2 boys, a dog and a big mortgage. So It can be done!!!!! And again that was year 1. Short term pain- long term gain.

One point though- remember flyer 1492 that with the 10%ESP- that is optional. You don't have to contribute.... and some don't. The company matches it dollar for dollar so if you contribute 3361.92 the company matches that with 3361.92. So I don't see that as a loss but a gain.

Just my 2 cents...... BTW- My first flying job in 2001 paid me 24,000 gross- I think that was pretty good at the time

[stickontheice]

"WestJet’s culture will remain a priority for us as we continue with this process." is how Gregg closed his letter to all of us today. To me there's no doubt that the Executives were overwhelmed and impressed with our commitment and passion to making this the best Regional airline possible.

I think the 80% is a number everyone is caught up on but shouldn't be because nothing has been decided. I am one that hopes the Regional people will get the full 20% ESP. Where the wages end up I'm not sure but I am confident that they will be competitive enough to attract high quality men and women to join our family.

As a FO here I make great wages and enjoy an awesome lifestyle. The people here are amazing, hard working, and I look forward to a long career here. It's exciting to see all the changes. I personally embrace the change instead of looking at all the negative possibilities based on others past mistakes.

[Jastapilot]

Where do you apply?? Canadian Airlines International -- oops sorry -just looking into the future or is it past or is it that the past is going to be the future I'm confused. But West Jet has made the first step into its last step.

Huh. Almost the same post you made in the comment section in the G&M article. Why so brief here?

[flyer 1492]

"WestJet’s culture will remain a priority for us as we continue with this process." is how Gregg closed his letter to all of us today. To me there's no doubt that the Executives were overwhelmed and impressed with our commitment and passion to making this the best Regional airline possible.

I think the 80% is a number everyone is caught up on but shouldn't be because nothing has been decided. I am one that hopes the Regional people will get the full 20% ESP. Where the wages end up I'm not sure but I am confident that they will be competitive enough to attract high quality men and women to join our family.

As a FO here I make great wages and enjoy an awesome lifestyle. The people here are amazing, hard working, and I look forward to a long career here. It's exciting to see all the changes. I personally embrace the change instead of looking at all the negative possibilities based on others past mistakes.

I would hope to see industry standard wages for all the westjet lite employees, not just reserved for the mainline employees at westjet.

[BE20 Driver]

Congratulations guys and girls. I have no doubt that you will do this the right way.

[Flying Nutcracker]

One thing that Westjetters has made clear to management is that we don't want to treat anyone like 2nd class citizens. I think they got the message. Secondly... Westjetters today are enjoying working conditions and wages that are a result of the ones who accepted the less than standard wages in the hopes of building a strong company with a strong culture.

Let's not lose sight of the fact that in order to gain a little one has to give a little!

[palm90]

I sure would have loved to have this opportunity when I was bombing around in a shitty Navajo looking for the next step into a career. This is just awesome! Can't wait.

[loopa]

I was sold by westjet's corporate culture as soon as I got to know Dave and his fantastic crew at the head quarters. From there I got to know several WJA pilot's and am proud to have such great people in my life!

I will apply to WestJet no matter what, and like one of the F/O's said, short term pain = long term gain with no regrets. WestJet's the place to be right now - I don't know about the competition.

[KAG]

Now that the MOA has been approved, NOW we can start hammering out the working conditions.
I know this will be hard for some members but why not wait until we know what the pay and working conditions will actually be before we slag them?

[wrc]

delighted to see the responce by the employee group. As much as low costs, aligning the interests of the employee group with the company, is the key to the success of this ever-evolving business model