The threat of a strike by WestJet aircraft mechanics is off the table – for now – after both sides agreed to resume negotiations, but not before nearly 50 flights were canceled.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board said it needed more time and proposals from all parties before it could decide whether to reach a collective agreement through binding arbitration, as WestJet proposed earlier this week.
This application to the Labor Court led to an announcement of a 72-hour strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association on Monday evening.
The Labour Committee also initially refused to prohibit industrial action, and so the airline ended up back where it started – the negotiating table – after having previously, among other things, temporarily broken off talks with the union.
In anticipation of a possible strike, WestJet canceled 45 flights on Wednesday and Thursday and began concentrating and grounding its 180-aircraft fleet, affecting thousands of passengers.
In statements issued overnight, both sides said they would return to the negotiating table to try to resolve their differences over a contract for the more than 670 mechanics – their first with the Calgary-based airline.
Union members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal last week and voted against WestJet’s request for arbitration.
On Thursday morning, the union withdrew its strike notice and said it would not take industrial action “as long as it believes the negotiations remain productive.”
WestJet expressed hope that a solution could be found without further operational disruptions and that normal operations could be resumed as soon as possible.
“We recognize the impact the initial cancellations have had on our guests and staff, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines.
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