WestJet plane at the Lethbridge Airport. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

WestJet lays off 6,900 employees

Mar 24, 2020 | 1:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Nearly half of all of WestJet’s workers are no longer employed by the company.

“Today, 6,900 WestJetters are receiving notices confirming early retirements, early outs, and both voluntary and involuntary leaves,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “This is devastating news for all WestJetters. The fact that we avoided a potentially worse outcome is testament to the spirit and selfless attitude demonstrated by our people.”

Around 7,100 workers remain on the job.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the airline released more than 80 per cent of its contract workforce, instituted a hiring freeze, stopped all non-essential travel and training, suspended any internal role movements and salary adjustments, pausing more than 75 per cent of its capital projects, and asked suppliers for a reduction or delay in payments.

WestJet’s executive team took a 50 per cent pay cut while vice-presidents and directors lost 25 per cent of their pay.

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Sims spoke to the public via video, saying COVID-19 has “devastated” the airline industry.

Around two-thirds of their fleet have been grounded and they are only flying domestically in Canada.

“We are now operating at the same size we were back in 2003.”

Sims says these steps were necessary to ensure the company can continue to operate.