The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that WestJet Encore pilots could go on strike as soon as April 17 after they approved a strike mandate Tuesday. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says that pilots at WestJet's regional carrier voted 97 per cent in favour of strike authorization after contract talks around pay, schedules and career progression came to a "near standstill," the Air Line Pilots Association said. About 89 per cent of pilots cast a ballot. "What that signals to me is that our pilots are frustrated," said Carin Kenny, who heads the union's WestJet Encore contingent. The 355 pilots it represents can walk off the tarmac 72 hours after union leadership files a strike notice. The potential job action or lockout can only take place after a 21-day cooling-off period that started when federal conciliation between the two sides wrapped up last week. WestJet Encore employs the lowest-paid regional pilots in Canada, driving some to seek jobs elsewhere, Ms. Kenny said. The pilot shortage that she says persists at Encore makes the leap to WestJet's higher-wage mainline operation a rare feat, since flight crew for its roughly 35 Dash 8-400 turboprop planes are needed at the regional service.