WestJet union cancels strike notice as collective bargaining resumes

June 20, 2024

Baystreet.ca – WestJet union rescinds strike notice as collective bargaining resumes<br />

The union representing maintenance workers at private airline WestJet Airlines has withdrawn its announcement of a 72-hour strike and returned to the negotiating table.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents the private airline’s maintenance workers, said it had withdrawn its strike notice and both parties had agreed to resume labor negotiations with the aim of reaching a collective agreement.

The union is demanding better working conditions and higher salaries for its members. The maintenance workers at WestJet had planned a strike for today (June 20).

WestJet management had referred the labour dispute to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in the hope that binding arbitration would lead to a new agreement.

However, the CIRB said it needed more time and input from both parties before deciding whether arbitration was necessary. It encouraged both sides to continue to talk.

WestJet is also returning to normal operations after the airline canceled 40 flights in recent days, affecting nearly 7,000 travelers.