WestJet mechanics announce possible strike for Friday

WestJet believes that a strike by mechanics could begin as early as Friday.

The airline said the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association has issued a strike notice that could result in a work stoppage as early as 5:30 p.m. MT on Friday.

The announcement came after the union canceled its strike plans last week and returned to the bargaining table.

But union spokesman Ian Evershed said the airline was not behaving productively at the negotiating table.

“So we believe our only option is to put everyone under pressure again with the strike announcement and continue the negotiations accordingly,” he said.

WestJet announces that it will take action in the coming days to contain the impact of possible industrial action.

Before contract negotiations resumed, the airline canceled dozens of flights last week.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the airline is offering an industry-leading pay increase of 22 percent over four years and believes the union’s demands are unreasonable.

“All other unions would immediately support such a deal,” said von Hoensbroech.

He said there could be flight cancellations as early as Thursday.

“We cannot simply stop air traffic at a certain point in time. We have to reduce it in an orderly manner,” he said.

“And I think we saw last week that this will require some cancellations in advance. So if there is no solution, which I don’t see at the moment, then the first cancellations are to be expected tomorrow.”

Union members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal earlier this month and expressed opposition to WestJet’s arbitration request.