WestJet mechanics could go on strike as early as Friday

Here we go again. WestJet has received a second strike notice from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), less than a day after the parties agreed to return to the bargaining table for four days.

The shutdown could begin as early as 5:30 p.m. MT on Friday, June 28, ahead of the long Canada Day weekend, when more than 70,000 travelers book their travel each day.

WestJet presented a revised offer during talks that would give union members a 22% pay increase over four years. The airline says the offer would make its mechanics and technical operations staff among the best paid in Canada.

“The union’s demand far exceeds that limit and remains unreasonable,” WestJet said in a press release.

Diederik Pen has been appointed President of WestJet Airlines. (Photo credit: WestJet)

“To receive a second strike notice from the union after mutually agreeing with WestJet before the CIRB (Canadian Industrial Relations Board) to return to the bargaining table in good faith for an additional four days following last week’s initial disruptions is disheartening and unacceptable to our guests, employees and the communities and businesses that depend on our service,” said Diederik Pen, President and COO of WestJet Airlines.

“We deeply regret the stress and uncertainty that AMFA’s tactics are causing Canadians by specifically targeting the busy July long weekend. However, we must stick to a sensible outcome that ensures affordable air travel for Canadians for years to come.”

WestJet says it is committed to the collective bargaining process and remains willing to reach an agreement on reasonable terms. A decision by the CIRB on the first contract arbitration under Section 80 of the Canada Labour Code is pending.

“WestJet presented its latest industry-leading offer in Canada to the union. It was promptly rejected and a strike announced, leaving us with no choice but to institute a lockout to manage travel disruptions for hundreds of thousands of guests. It is our duty to ensure the safe and orderly shutdown of our network in the coming days and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, our crew and our aircraft,” Pen concluded.

WestJet points out that the union’s strike announcement does not mean that there will be travel disruptions. However, the company says it will take the necessary measures to mitigate the impact as much as possible. These include:

· Start of preparations for operations with a reduced flight schedule.

· Proactively manage changes and cancellations to ensure guests can be communicated with prior to changes.

· Providing flexible change and cancellation options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.

· In the event of flight delays or cancellations, affected guests will receive a refund or new accommodation, as appropriate.

Advisors and travelers can visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information on flight status and travel changes.

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