WestJet has sent layoff notices to 1,700 of its pilots amid an unprecedented reduction in air travel due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Calgary-based airline said the layoffs affect pilots with WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop, and will take effect either May 1 or June 1. These actions will play a crucial part in WestJet's ability to recover quickly and participate in Canada's economic recovery." In March, WestJet announced it was cutting roughly half of its 14,000 employees with the elimination of 6,900 positions. But it said last week it would rehire nearly 6,400 of those workers with the help of a federal wage subsidy.

Source: CBC News April 16, 2020 04:06 UTC