Disclaimer: The following answers do not necessarily represent ALPA’s position or interpretation. They are provided for the benefit of our pilots so they may have some knowledge and expectation of the company’s position on the various questions.
- What happens to Pilots (WestJet/Swoop) that are laid off?
Individuals laid off will be placed on CEWS. The Company has not announced an intention to stop using CEWS
- Do I need to sign up for CEWS?
No, WestJet will register all furlough pilots for CEWS.
- Will WestJet Pilots that are laid off and on CEWS receive the 20-4.03 layoff pay?
As per section 20-4.03 of the WestJet collective agreement (CA), eligible pilots will receive two weeks pay for each full year of completed active service up to a maximum of twenty (20) weeks’ pay such that, when combined with CEWS/CERB/EI subsidy payments, the Pilot should receive the equivalent of 75% of their pay, based on their Minimum Monthly Guarantee.
- Will my 90-day benefit entitlement start while I am on CEWS?
Yes. Your 90 days start when you are laid off.
- Do I have to pay benefit premiums during the 90-day period, or do I pay upon return to work?
Premiums must be paid during the 90-day period.
- How long will I have group benefits?
Group benefits coverage will continue for up to ninety (90) days following layoff date at the same option of coverage prior to your layoff. Should your layoff continue for more than 90 days, all group benefit coverage will be automatically terminated.
- What benefits do I have access to after the 90 days?
Please log on to the ALPA portal using the following link to see what is available to you.
https://www.alpa.org/resources/alpa-insurance/canadian-coverage
- If I am currently on STD or LTD, will my coverage continue?
If you are currently on an active STD/LTD claim your claim will continue as is.
- Can I work for another employer while on CEWS?
Guidance does not say you are prohibited from working for another unrelated employer while inactive on CEWS with your current employer. However, there are limits on how much unrelated employers can claim for an employee through the CEWS program.
- What happens once CEWS ends?
You can apply for EI.
- When will a pilot on CEWS be issued an ROE for Service?
While on CEWS the employee will not be issued an ROE, as they will still be earning insurable earnings. If they are choosing to opt out of CEWS, they will be issued an ROE directly to Service Canada 5 days after their last payroll deposit. If they have concerns regarding this, the employee may email payroll@westjet.com who issued the ROEs.
- Can pilots keep their iPads so they can stay current on the manuals (studying)?
Unfortunately, no. WestJet we must receive back all iPads from those on FUR. Pilots who bump to Encore or take a position at Swoop will keep their iPads as we transition to use a single device for all three airlines. Pilots returning from leave via recall will be issued an iPad and granted online document access to permit review prior to commencing training.
- Does a pilot accrue length of services towards retirement flight benefits while on furlough?
No, only active service counts towards the retirement benefit calculation.
- Does a pilot go up in pay steps since he is still being paid by the company under CEWS?
No, pay progression is based on time spent on active/ protected leave (MAT/ PAT/ MED etc) status. Pilots on CEWS are on FUR from WestJet and will not have their pay steps increased correspondingly.
- I am having problems signing up to the WestJet microsite. Who do I contact to help me?
ITservicedesk@westjet.com
- Do I need to return my WestJet company ID?
While on layoff pilots, may keep their company ID cards, however they will be deactivated and will not be able to be used to access any WestJet facilities.
- Why am I paying Alpa dues when I am furloughed?
Since CEWS is paid by WestJet, Alpa considers that as income therefore it is dues deducted. Since you are paying dues, you are eligible to vote for LEC elections etc.
- Can I file a grievance while I am furloughed?
Yes, members can fill a grievance through this link:
https://fs11.formsite.com/YHOQUo/kyfdyoxmmv/index.html
- Do I need to return my RAIC and parking pass?
RAIC: Pilots on layoff may keep their RAICs in their possession, however, should the RAIC be expiring during the layoff period they must be returned to their respective pass offices. All RAICs for pilots on layoff or on LOA for greater than one month will be deactivated electronically in the Transport Canada database. As a reminder, RAICs may not be used as any form of identification while on layoff.
PARKING: Please note that your parking benefit will be de-activated on the effective date of your layoff.
- Do I still hold travel privileges with WestJet?
No, all travel privileges are terminated on the date of layoff.
- Can a furloughed pilot have access to ALPA jumpseat privilege?
No, a pilot needs to be in active status with current RAIC and company ID.
- How do I place a bid on the PSB?
WestJet has nothing established at this time for furloughed pilots to bid on the PSB. WestJet IT department is working on a solution, but we do not have a time frame of when this will be completed. LOU #6 provides that furloughed members can bid on recall PSB and it is our expectation that this system will be in place and communicated to all active and inactive pilots prior to any recall PSB.
- What resources does ALPA provide for furloughed members?
Please log in to: https://www.alpa.org/resources/furlough to see what resources are available to you.