The union representing WestJet pilots is asking a judge to quash federal approval of temporary foreign workers in the cockpit.
In an application it says was filed Monday, the Air Line Pilots Association petitioned the Federal Court to declare invalid a government decision green-lighting temporary work permits at WestJet Encore earlier this month.
The filing says the airline requested about 60 permits for pilots from India and South Africa under the temporary foreign workers program.
Tim Perry, who heads the union’s Canadian wing, says it was not consulted and that the move could erode “safety margins” and undercut wage gains.
WestJet says it asked the government to assess whether temporary foreign workers are needed, a necessary step before hiring from abroad can take place. It says none have been brought on board so far.
The temporary foreign worker program, which allows non-permanent residents to work in Canada for limited periods, employs hundreds of thousands of people across industries ranging from agriculture and construction to hospitality and health care.
