WestJet mechanics withdraw strike notice as talks resume: No further flight cancellations

Canadians don’t have to worry about a WestJet mechanics strike, at least not right now.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has withdrawn the strike notice scheduled for the evening of June 20. The union and management have agreed to return to the negotiating table.

WestJet said the move prevented further flight cancellations. However, it appears that 13 flights were cancelled on June 20, affecting thousands of passengers. These 13 cancellations are in addition to the 40 flights cancelled on June 18 and 19, affecting around 6,500 passengers.

Click here to see a list of flight cancellations as of June 20.

“We recognize the impact the initial cancellations have had on our guests and our employees, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,” said WestJet President Diederik Pen. “As we return to the negotiating table, we are committed to finding a solution to avoid further disruption to our operations.”

Talks between the mechanics’ union and airline management are scheduled to resume in the week of June 24.

WestJet has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene with binding arbitration, in which the labour court would negotiate a contract between the two sides. The board has the power to prohibit a stop-work order by the mechanics’ union.

“The CIRB has advised that it requires additional time and submissions from both parties before making a decision on whether or not to resolve collective bargaining negotiations for our first contract through arbitration,” WestJet said in a statement.

According to CBC, the union, whose members voted overwhelmingly against a tentative agreement with WestJet last week, opposes binding arbitration because it would undermine its goal of an “industry-changing contract.”

WestJet said it is working to return to normal operations as quickly and efficiently as possible while maintaining the highest levels of safety and urged passengers to continue checking the status of their flights before heading to the airport.