WestJet has been forced to basically cut its workforce in half.
Around 6,900 of the airline’s 14,000 employees are leaving the company due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, 6,900 WestJetters are receiving notices of both voluntary and involuntary leaves due to the impact of COVID-19. This is devastating news.
— WestJet (@WestJet) March 24, 2020
We commend those who are standing down so that our airline can stand up.
Read more — https://t.co/avVxVDrzcV pic.twitter.com/DH8kaU2Ybz
According to Ed Sims, president and CEO of WestJet, it’s a combination of early retirements, early outs and both voluntary and involuntary leaves.
“This is devastating news for all WestJetters,” said Sims.
“The fact that we avoided a potentially worse outcome is testament to the spirit and selfless attitude demonstrated by our people, who have enabled WestJet to continue operating with a collective remaining workforce of 7,100.”
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, WestJet has implemented a number of cost-cutting measures and today’s move is just the latest.
There’s already been cuts to the company’s workforce, a significant decrease in flights and pay cuts from the executive team.
Sims added that “it is through these WestJetters’ sacrifices that we can preserve a core of people who will remain employed to prepare for the moment when the situation stabilizes, and we can look to rise again.”
