WestJet aircraft maintenance technicians (AME) have issued a 72-hour strike notice after the airline cancelled negotiating plans at the last minute.
And they say if WestJet doesn’t return to the bargaining table, they will begin a strike on Thursday, June 20th.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing WestJet’s aircraft maintenance technicians and technical operations staff, said in a media statement that the strike announcement was in response to WestJet’s refusal to continue negotiations scheduled for June 19 and 20 in Calgary.
The union members are demanding a compensation package similar to that of other North American airlines.
A preliminary agreement between the maintenance engineers and WestJet was rejected on June 11 with 97.25 percent of the votes against.
AMFA President Bret Oestrich said the main reasons for the rejection were economic reasons and “WestJet’s malicious negotiating tactics” during the negotiation process.
“WestJet has admitted that they cannot hire qualified engineers at the salaries they pay,” Oestrich said in a statement, adding that many positions are vacant as AMEs resign due to the increasing number of idle aircraft.
“Nevertheless, WestJet’s final offer was more than 30 percent below the usual fare of North American airlines.”
On the evening of 17 June, AMFA was informed that the airline would not continue negotiations.
WestJet has formally asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and the Minister of Labour to intervene under the Canadian Labour Code, the airline’s website said.
Intervention by the CIRB and the Minister of Labour would refer both the union and the airline to arbitration for an initial collective agreement and “allow an impartial third party to draft a collective agreement” and prevent any industrial action by either side, WestJet said.
The airline released a statement on its website calling the process “difficult” and saying the 72-hour deadline does not mean there will be any travel disruptions.
“Requesting intervention on behalf of the CIRB and the Minister of Labour under the Canadian Labour Code allows an unbiased third party to issue an appropriate collective agreement,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Chief Operating Officer.
“This process is designed to avoid disruption and ensure a fair and impartial resolution. This will provide certainty to our guests and the communities we serve who rely on us to fulfill their summer travel plans, while ensuring stability and safety for all WestJet Group employees.”
The AMEs of Richmond are holding an “information vigil” at 8 a.m. on June 19 at Richmond’s Larry Berg Flight Path Park on Russ Baker Way to raise public awareness and show support.
The union announced it would go on strike at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PST) on June 20 if WestJet did not return to the bargaining table.
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