WestJetters answering the call to support vaccination in Alberta
As Albertans call Alberta Health Services (AHS) Health Link 811 to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments, there’s a chance they’re talking to someone more used to booking a vacation or ensuring safety and comfort in the sky.
For the past few months, 132 furloughed WestJetters have joined more than 710 other newly hired staff in the Calgary area to help take calls, book and manage vaccine appointments and answer questions about vaccination.
“As the vaccination rollout has ramped up, it’s been consistently very busy,” said Addis Regassa, WestJetter and temporary AHS employee working the 811 phone lines. “It’s been rewarding talking to Albertans excited to get their shot. Having the opportunity to assist with vaccination efforts has been great and hopefully, as the rollout continues, I will be back creating a remarkable in-flight experience soon.”
On average, the Health Link vaccination booking team are answering between 7,000 to 20,000 calls a day.
“Vaccines, along with testing remain critical to getting us back in the skies, restoring jobs and on the road to recovery,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President. “For 25 years, WestJet has been connecting Albertans and we are proud that WestJetters skills are being used to now be part of the vaccine solution.”
“It’s inspiring to see so many WestJetters who wanted to work with the Health Link team and contribute in such a meaningful way to the COVID-19 vaccination efforts,” said Sue Conroy, AHS Senior Provincial Director. “The WestJet staff have great skills and experience and have been a terrific addition to the team.”
This is not the first time that furloughed WestJetters have returned to work assisting with vaccination efforts. WestJet has also partnered with the Government of British Columbia to employ approximately 200 furloughed WestJetters to assist at mass vaccination clinics in Greater Vancouver.
“These WestJetters are not sitting on the sidelines,” continue Avery. “They are doing critical work assisting their communities and connecting Canadians to their vaccine shots, all of which is important to the recovery of WestJet and Canada’s economic rebound.”
For Albertans looking to book a COVID-19 vaccination, details can be found online at Alberta Health Services.
