WestJet aircraft mechanics ratify 5-year agreement to end strike

WestJet has announced that the collective bargaining agreement between the airline and the aircraft mechanics union has been ratified.

Employees of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing WestJet’s aircraft maintenance technicians and other technical operations employees, went on strike over the Canada Day long weekend.

About 680 workers, whose daily inspections and repairs are essential to flight operations, stopped work on the evening of June 28, despite an order from the Minister of Labor for binding arbitration. The second preliminary agreement was reached late Sunday evening.

“Achieving this milestone is great news for our company and our guests. It solidifies a five-year agreement that provides stability to our business and reflects the important value and contribution of our … employees,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.

The second collective agreement provides for an immediate wage increase of 15.5 percent without reallocation of funds from the WestJet Savings Plan, further annual wage increases for the remainder of the five-year contract and higher overtime pay.

“While we are grateful to have reached a resolution as a unified team with a clear path forward, we recognize that the unprecedented impact of the disruptions over the July long weekend remains concerning for our guests, the communities we serve and our employees,” Diederik added in the statement.

Over 1,100 flights were cancelled, affecting the travel plans of more than 100,000 people across the country.