(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

By Canadian Press

massive cuts

WestJet laying off 3,333 employees

Jun 25, 2020 | 12:53 PM

WestJet Airlines says it will permanently lay off 3,333 employees as part of a major restructuring amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated the travel industry.

The company says it will consolidate call centre activity in Alberta, restructure its office and management staff and contract out operations at all but four of the 38 Canadian airports where it operates.

CEO Ed Sims calls the changes unavoidable.

A union representing employees says about 2,300 airport customer service agents and baggage handlers will be among those losing their jobs.