The WestJet mechanics strike is over, but the airline says it will take time to get Canadians moving again.
Shortly after 1 a.m. Eastern Time on 01JUL, WestJet sent out a release confirming that it had reached a tentative deal with the striking Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and that union members “will return to work as scheduled to immediately.”
The CBC reports the deal includes an immediate 15.5% wage increase, followed by a pay increase of 3.25% next year, and 2.5% each year for the final three years over the five-year term, according to the union.
The strike had forced WestJet to cancel some 832 flights, affecting some 110,000 passengers. It’s not clear if any of those flights will be put back on the schedule.
"The airline will begin work to restore operations in a safe and timely manner," WS said in a release. "Given the significant impact to WestJet's network over the past few days, returning to business-as-usual flying will take time and further disruptions over the coming week are to be anticipated as the airline gets aircraft and crew back into position."
WestJet said it was forced to park 130 aircraft at 13 airports across Canada in response to the strike.
"The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
At approximately 2 a.m. Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan put this statement out on X:
"WestJet & AMFA have reached a tentative agreement, Canadians’ patience having been worn too thin. Collective bargaining is the responsibility of the parties. The responsibility of the government is to facilitate and mediate that bargaining. The parties finally did their jobs."
In a significant move, WestJet said there will be no further job action as both parties agreed to arbitrate the contract in case union members reject the tentative deal.
"Lack of clarity from the government and the decisions taken by the CIRB allowed for a strike to occur amidst binding arbitration,” WestJet said. “With no path forward to resolution, both parties made essential movements to find common ground and achieve an agreement."
The strike was devastating for consumers, with travellers taking to social media in droves to talk about missed weddings, funerals and other heartbreaks.
"We want to thank guests for their patience during what was an uncertain and stressful time," said Pen. "I want to personally thank our teams of WestJetters who were equally thrust into the uncertainty, and who once again demonstrated their care, dedication and resilience."
"Today we found a path forward and came to a tentative agreement with AMFA, ending the strike action," WestJet CEO Alexis van Hoensbroech on his X/Twitter feed. "I am deeply sorry for the impact this had on our guests. We will now work to rebuild our wonderful airline as swiftly as possible."
“We are grateful and relieved to announce that the AMFA-represented Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and WestJet have successfully negotiated a contract covering the next five years,” the union said in a statement on its website. “This will end our lawful strike action against the company, effective immediately.
“As a direct result of our members’ solidarity, AMFA was able to reach a second tentative agreement (TA2) providing substantial improvements over both the current terms of employment and the terms provided for in the first tentative agreement.
"TA2 provides for immediate pay increases, full restoration of the WestJet Savings Plan (WSP), and improved benefits for the employees.”
