UPDATE: The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has rescinded its strike notice and both WestJet and the AMFA will return to the bargaining table to continue work towards a resolution. WestJet is currently working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
WestJet is preparing for potential strike action by WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Tech Ops employees by cancelling and consolidating flights This is being done in order to park aircraft in a safe and organized manner. As they describe it, the airline is doing this “to minimize the potential for being stranded and ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations.”
WestJet is waiting on a response from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene under the Canada Labour Code. If accepted, this action would refer both WestJet and AMFA to arbitration for a first collective agreement and prevent labour action by either party.
Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer, had this to say about the impending strike announcement:
“We are immensely disheartened that we are in a position where we must activate our contingency plan and begin parking aircraft, as a result of the strike notice served by AMFA. We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests, communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service.”
Diederik Pen, WestJet President and Group COO
Union members almost unanimously rejected the airline’s proposal which the airline stated “would have made our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in the country, with a take-home pay increase of 30 to 40%.” Now, with a strike looming, the airline is working to park aircraft “in a measured, phased and safe approach.”
Over the next day, cancellations are expected to affect 40 flights and roughly 6,500 passengers. Should the potential strike occur, the work stoppage could begin as early as Thursday, June 20 at 7:00p MT.
To check the status of your flight, visit WestJet.com. The airline has also sent emails to passengers indicating whether their flights are impacted.
Summary
WestJet is preparing for a potential strike by the airline’s maintenance engineers and tech ops employees. To prepare, the airline is parking planes and has cancelled approximately 40 flights in preparation for any disruption.
