The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that WestJet pilots are bound for a 24-per-cent pay bump over four years under an agreement-in-principle between the company and the union. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says that pilots will receive a 15.5-per-cent hourly pay raise this year retroactive to Jan. 1 upon ratification of the deal. It also lays out a cumulative 8.5-per-cent increase to their hourly wage over the remainder of the contract, from 2024 through 2026. Bargaining came down to the wire last week, with WestJet cancelling more than 230 flights in preparation for job action before a deal was reached hours ahead of the strike deadline on May 19. The agreement sets a new standard for labour gains in Canadian aviation, and will be closely eyed by Air Canada pilots. Flight crews at the country's biggest carrier may soon be bargaining themselves. In a letter to members this month, the Air Canada Pilots Association said workers must decide by May 29 whether to stick with their 10-year collective agreement from 2014, or opt to start full negotiations ahead of time this year. The WestJet deal could also make it tougher for budget airline competitors Flair Airlines and Lynx Air to retain pilots.