WestJet mechanics strike one day after federal labor minister orders binding arbitration

A day after Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to initiate final binding arbitration to resolve outstanding issues in the collective agreement between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), WestJet mechanics went on strike.

In a statement on Friday, WestJet mechanics said they had continued their strike against the company, but the union remained in dialogue with the CIRB to resolve the impasse.

“The AMEs had hoped that this action would be unnecessary, but the airline’s unwillingness to negotiate with the union led to the strike,” the statement said.

In a statement on Thursday, AMFA said there was no modern precedent for the minister’s action. However, the union said it would comply with the order and urged its members to avoid unlawful industrial action.

O’Regan had already referred WestJet and AMFA to the CIRB on June 18, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

WestJet responded to the AMFA strike on Friday, saying it was “outraged” by the move.

“The government has officially stepped in to offer binding arbitration and ensure we reach a resolution. The only reason this union is continuing its strike is to cause damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and impose significant costs on our company,” company president Diederik Pen said in a statement.

“Since arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no impact on the outcome of the arbitration. It is therefore pure retaliation by a disappointed union.”

The Calgary-based airline had already begun cancelling flights due to a possible strike before the minister’s order. About 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday were cancelled in anticipation of possible industrial action by AMFA.

There’s more to come