A little more than a year after unionizing, a Westjet pilot has been elected president of the Airline Pilots Association’s Canadian Arm. Capt. Tim Perry will serve in the post starting Jan. 1, 2019. Perry was vice chair of the WestJet pilots group that negotiated the first contract in 2017. He was elected president of ALPA Canada at ALPA International’s 47th meeting in Washington, D.C. last week. Jazz Capt. Brian Shury was re-elected vice president of ALPA Canada. Capt. Rod Lypchuk remains secretary-treasurer. As president, Perry will oversee ALPA Canada’s operations and serve as one of ALPA International’s executive vice presidents. Perry said in a statement there are numerous issues in front of his organization.
“Canada’s airline pilots are facing both significant challenges and opportunities. I am confident that, by working together, ALPA Canada and our pilots will achieve our goals of safer skies, improved working conditions, and fair contracts, while continuing to be the leading voice in Canadian aviation,” said Capt. Perry. “I am a firm believer that all Canadian airline pilots need to come together. Unity in our profession will make it clear to the Canadian government that airline pilots are one of the most valuable resources in the aviation sector and are tremendous advocates for improved aviation safety.”