WestJet to Cut about 3,300 Jobs

WestJet Airlines has announced a series of job cuts and head-office changes it says are aimed at ensuring the Calgary-based carrier can compete when the COVID-19 pandemic eases.

WestJet said on Wednesday 3,333 employees will permanently lose their jobs as the airline contracts out all domestic airport operations outside of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto, restructures its management, and consolidates its call centre in Alberta.

Ed Sims, WestJet’s chief executive officer, said the restructuring is a “last resort” for the airline as it faces a long recovery amid an uncertain outlook for the demand and viability of air travel. Mr. Sims, in a video statement posted on the Internet, said WestJet has slashed costs by 60 per cent, but needs to do more. “We are now at the bottom and we have a long and difficult climb out,” Mr. Sims said.

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