As negotiations continue between WestJet and the union representing its pilots, Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech said a substantial gap still exists after the airline put an offer on the table to avoid travel disruptions. 

On Monday, the Air Line Pilots Association put forward a 72-hour strike notice ahead of the May long weekend. The union represents approximately 1,600 crew members for WestJet and its subsidiary, Swoop. 

The Calgary-based airline said Tuesday that a work stoppage could occur as soon as Friday at 3 a.m. MDT.

“The gap is substantial. We have put something on the table that is very generous. I think it's the most generous offer that any union actually got across all the Canadian sectors that were going on strike for less than what we are offering,” von Hoensbroech said in an interview with BNN Bloomberg Wednesday. 

Von Hoensbroech said limitations exist regarding what the company can afford. 

“With what we have put on the table, we would make them the best-paid pilots in Canada, and I think that's quite reasonable,” he said. 

Alongside wages, von Hoensbroech said both sides are discussing scope and working conditions.

Last week, Bernard Lewall, the head of the Air Line Pilot Association's WestJet contingent, stated that the strike notice was related to job protection, pay, and scheduling. Lewall also stated that around 340 pilots left the airline over the previous year and a half, adding that most of which went to other airlines. 

In a statement to BNNBloomberg.ca on Wednesday, the union acknowledged that negotiations were ongoing and that flight disruptions "are never an ideal outcome."

“Negotiators are making themselves available 24/7 until the end of the 72 notice period to reach a negotiated agreement that will help fix WestJet’s pilot attraction and retention crisis and allow the airline to recognize its growth strategy,” the statement reads.

Ahead of the potential strike, the airline issued a lockout notice Monday. The airline also indicated preparations would be made to reduce network operations across WestJet as well as Swoop. 

In order to avoid travel disruptions for WestJet customers, von Hoensbroech said the airline is taking an “all hands on deck,” approach and that he and the airline’s negotiations team are present and working around the clock. 

“Everyone knows that we have a deadline looming that may disrupt the long May weekend, and we are doing everything we can, including myself being here, to bring this to a close before we see any major disruptions,” he said. 

With files from the Canadian Press.