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The ALPA is the largest pilot union in the world and represents workers at major carriers such as Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Air Lines Inc., as well as Canadian carriers Jazz Aviation LP and Air Transat, among others.

The WPPA cited a lack of financial resources due to “legal attacks and challenges” from WestJet and the non-union group that currently represents its pilots.

“Whereas the WPPA is strong in its members’ dedication to the common goals we all share, the association is weak financially and lacks resources in comparison to the anti-certification forces we face,” Capt. Rob McFadyen wrote in the post.

On Oct. 6, members of the WPPA visited the ALPA’s headquarters in Herndon, Va., and were “warmly welcomed,” McFadyen said.

“We obviously need to do additional research on all of ALPA’s resources and structure, but this gives us great hope that not only can we achieve what our pilots want, but reach far beyond what we could have accomplished by ourselves.”

Of the 1,247 pilots who voted in the August ballot, 55 per cent said no to unionization.

In a recent interview with the Financial Post, WestJet CEO Gregg Saretsky said he didn’t think that would be the last unionization attempt.

“I expect we’ll have other union runs among pilots and flight attendants,” he said in September.