WestJet aircraft mechanics strike ends

The strike between WestJet and its flight mechanics has ended.

According to a press release from the airline, members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association will return to work as planned.

“The damage to Canadians and our airline is enormous, and a swift resolution was necessary. We are not taking victory laps over this outcome, but we will sleep better tonight knowing that further damage was prevented,” wrote Diedrik Pen, president of WestJet.

The strike began on Friday and ended shortly after midnight on Monday morning. By Sunday, 832 flights had been cancelled.

The aircraft mechanics union confirmed that it had reached a second tentative agreement with WestJet.

“As a direct result of the solidarity of our members, AMFA was able to reach a second provisional agreement (TA2) that provides significant improvements to both current working conditions and those provided for in the first provisional agreement,” the union wrote on its website.

The union went on strike after Canada’s labour minister asked both parties to go to arbitration, which the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruled was legal.

However, the airline stated that this had created “ambiguities”, which is why the two parties negotiated again on Sunday for the first time since Thursday.

“We will not see any further industrial action as a result of this dispute as both parties agree to arbitration of the contract in the event of failed ratification,” Pen wrote.

The airline said that 130 aircraft were grounded across the country due to the strike and that it would take some time to get them back in service.

WestJet expects flight disruptions for at least the rest of the week.