CALGARY — The union that represents pilots at WestJet has called for a strike vote to press its demands for its first contract.

The Air Line Pilots Association says pilots began voting Wednesday and the balloting will continue for 15 days. The Calgary-based airline and its pilots have been in contract negotiations since September.

A 60-day conciliation process ends April 27. The pilots could then launch a strike after a 21-day cooling off period.

Capt. Rob McFadyen, chairman of the association’s master executive council, says the two sides remain far apart on working conditions, compensation and job security.

McFadyen said the union’s bargaining proposals are reasonable and consistent with the contracts that other pilots within North America enjoy.

“Unfortunately, our management team believes there is no issue with outsourcing our work and our careers,” McFadyen said in a release. “Our goal remains to reach a fair contract that also brings stability to the airline.”

WestJet CEO Ed Sims responded to the association’s release by noting a strike authorization vote is a common step taken by unions during labour negotiations.

“We remain focused on successfully negotiating an agreement that will benefit our pilots and WestJet,” said Sims.

McFadyen said the pilots hope to avoid a strike and the union is still open to negotiating an agreement.

A statement issued April 26 by Air Canada says the airline will adjust its schedules and capacity in the event of strike. “We know that people travel for a variety of reasons and as the busy summer period approaches, we appreciate that the traveling public may be feeling anxious about their plans resulting from the uncertainty associated with potential labour disruptions at WestJet. With our extensive network and varied fleet, we are well placed to accommodate passengers disrupted by this situation. The travelling public can book Air Canada with confidence at aircanada.com or by calling their travel agents.”