Union continues to reject Canadian
industry-leading agreement, which would make WestJet AMEs
best paid in country
TORONTO, June 25, 2024 /CNW/ - WestJet on Tuesday received
a second strike notification, in the span of just over a week, from
the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that
represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and other
Technical Operations employees under the bargaining unit. The work
stoppage, initiated by AMFA, could occur as early as Friday, June 28 at 5:30
p.m. MT in advance of the long weekend, where more than
70,000 guests per day are booked for travel.
AMFA delivered strike notice less than one day into the parties'
mutual agreement to return to the bargaining table across four
days. WestJet presented a revised industry leading offer, which
would see WestJet AME's receive a 22 per cent increase over four
years, making them by far the best paid AMEs in Canada. The union's ask exceeds this mark by a
long shot and remains unreasonable.
"Receiving a second strike notification from the union after
they mutually agreed with WestJet in front of the CIRB to return to
the bargaining table in good faith for an additional four days
following last week's initial disruption, is disheartening and
unacceptable for our guests, employees and the communities and
businesses that rely on our service," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and
Chief Operating Officer. "We sincerely regret the stress and
uncertainty AMFA's tactics are causing Canadians, deliberately
targeting the busy July long-weekend; however, we must hold strong
on a reasonable outcome that protects affordable air travel for
Canadians, for years to come."
WestJet is committed to the collective bargaining process and
remains available to reach an agreement on reasonable terms. The
Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruling on first contract
arbitration, under section 80 of the Canada Labour Code, is
still pending.
"WestJet presented the union with its latest Canadian
industry-leading offer. It was swiftly dismissed, and a strike
notification issued, leaving us with no choice but to follow with a
lockout notice to manage travel disruption to hundreds of thousands
of guests. It is our obligation in the coming days to ensure the
safe and orderly takedown of our network and to minimize the risk
of stranding our guests, our crew and our aircraft," concluded
Pen.
The union issuing notice does not mean travel disruption will
occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all
necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible,
including:
- Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
- Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the
ability to communicate with guests in advance of changes.
- Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish
to make alternate arrangements.
Should flight delays or cancellations occur, impacted guests
will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable.
For guests who booked directly with WestJet, changes to existing
travel will be directly communicated via the email address provided
at the time of booking. Guests who booked through a travel agent or
online booking agency, are asked to contact them directly.
Please visit WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information
regarding flight status, travel changes and more.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half
and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet
launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five
destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,
14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26
countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit
westjet.com.
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership