WestJet receives strike notice ahead of long weekend

WestJet has received a second strike notice from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) just hours after returning to the bargaining table.

Following the latest strike announcement, a work stoppage could occur as early as 5:30 p.m. MT (7:30 p.m. ET) on Friday, June 28. This would impact travel over the long Canada Day weekend. According to WestJet, trips are booked for more than 70,000 passengers.

“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,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Chief Operating Officer.

Last week, WestJet canceled 40 flights in response to AMFA’s initial strike notice. The union eventually withdrew the strike notice and agreed to return to the bargaining table.

AMFA, which represents WestJet’s maintenance technicians and other technical operations staff, issued its second strike notice yesterday (June 25), one day after the start of four days of collective bargaining.

“To receive a second strike notice from the union after mutually agreeing with WestJet before the CIRB to return to the bargaining table in good faith for an additional four days following last week’s initial disruption is disheartening and unacceptable to our guests, employees and the communities and businesses that rely on our service,” Pen said.

According to WestJet, AMFA rejected an “industry-leading offer” that included a 22% salary increase over four years.