A WestJet mechanics' strike is back on the table, and a work stoppage could come just as the busy Canada Day weekend begins.
WestJet says it received a second strike notification in just over a week from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME's) and other technical operations employees in the bargaining unit. The work stoppage, initiated by AMFA, could occur as early as 28JUN at 5:30 p.m. MT in advance of the long weekend, where more than 70,000 passengers per day are booked for travel.
WestJet said it's beginning preparations for a reduced schedule, but it hadn't announced any cancellations as of the morning of 26JUN. Cancelled flights would be a huge headache for pax and travel advisors at a very busy time of year.
WestJet mechanics issued a strike notice in early May after rejecting a proposed bargaining agreement with the airline. A work stoppage could have begun on 20JUN, which sparked dozens of flight cancellations by WS. But the union rescinded that notice the morning of 20JUN, and the mechanics' group and management agreed to return to the bargaining table.
Talks resumed on 24JUN, but WestJet says AMFA delivered a new strike notice less than one day into the new round of bargaining.
Simple Flying reports that WestJet and WestJet Encore locked out their maintenance engineers in lieu of the threatened strike.
In a statement, WestJet said it had presented a revised offer to see WestJet AMEs receive a 22% increase over four years, making them the "best-paid AMEs in Canada."
"The union's ask exceeds this mark by a long shot and remains unreasonable," the airline said in a press release.
"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 COO.
"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 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," Pen said.
"On the morning of June 25, AMFA submitted its proposal presenting terms that, according to membership surveys, would achieve contract ratification and labour peace," the union's WestJet negotiating team said in a statement on its website. "We then waited seven hours for a response.
"WestJet counter-proposed an economic enhancement of less than 1% at the cost of an extended contract term -- the effective affirmation of the Company’s previous public statements that it would refuse to engage in meaningful negotiations with respect to economic issues. AMFA negotiators worked into the evening and submitted a counter-proposal.
"We also, reluctantly, submitted the AMEs’ 72-hour strike notice in the hope that it will prompt WestJet to provide its employees with a good faith offer. One hour later, WestJet issued a second 72-hour lockout notice in kind.
"Strike or no strike, AMFA will always be available for negotiations. We have agreed to extend negotiations in Toronto through the end of this week and resume in Calgary next week if necessary.
"Labour peace cannot be obtained through litigation and false accusations," the union said.
WS management said the new strike notice doesn't mean travel will be disrupted. But it said it 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 passengers will be refunded or re-accommodated.
Changes to existing travel will be directly communicated via the email address provided at the time of booking for those who booked directly with WestJet.
Those who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency are asked to contact them directly.
Pax travelling on WestJet are advised to check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport.
More information on WestJet's Guest Updates page.
