The WestJet Group has joined other major Canadian airlines including Air Canada and Sunwing in announcing that its employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The measure takes effect Oct. 30 and those who refuse will face unpaid leave or termination of employment. As part of its vaccine mandate, the airline will not provide testing as an alternative to vaccination.
WestJet says it will evaluate and accommodate those employees who are unable to be vaccinated either through medical or other exemption, however all other full-time employees must attest their vaccination status by Sept. 24.
In addition, full vaccination status will be a requirement of employment for all future employees hired by the WestJet Group.
“Protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees remains our number one priority and vaccinations are our best line of defense,” says Mark Porter, WestJet Executive Vice-President of People. “Aviation has been one of the hardest hit industries and we believe requiring all WestJet Group employees to be vaccinated is the right thing to do and ensures the safest travel and work environment for everyone in WestJet’s world.”
He adds, “The WestJet Group remains committed to building back even stronger to ensure a competitive aviation industry in Canada. Requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is essential to the safe restart of travel across Canada.”
On Aug. 13, the federal government announced that by no later than the end of October, it will require employees in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to be vaccinated.
In other news
WestJet launched its newest route on Wednesday with the departure of WestJet Link flight 3027 connecting Calgary and Dawson Creek, BC. The inaugural marks a new link for the regions’ business, travel and tourism markets as WestJet becomes the only carrier to provide non-stop service between the Peace River Region and Calgary.
The new service operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.
With the addition of Calgary-Dawson Creek service, WestJet Link now operates five routes between Calgary and Cranbrook, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat and three between Vancouver and Cranbrook, Nanaimo and Comox.