Summary
- The aircraft mechanics ended the strike action after WestJet and AMFA resumed talks.
- Over 50,000 passengers were affected, and 400 flights were canceled.
- Both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in case of failed ratification.
The second-largest Canadian airline, WestJet, has reached an agreement with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to end the strike after continuous bargaining over pay increases and better working conditions.
The news comes as the aircraft mechanics went on strike over the long weekend in Canada. As a result of this strike action, over 50,000 WestJet passengers were affected, and over 400 flights were canceled over the weekend.
Agreed to arbitrate the contract
Effective June 30, 2024, AMFA withdrew from the strike and resumed talks with WestJet for the first time since June 27, 2024. According to WestJet, the airline and AMFA restarted talks despite a previous stalemate over the intent of the Minister’s order for binding arbitration.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
In a statement, Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, said:
“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. We will see no further labour action coming out of this dispute, as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in the case of a failed ratification.”
The airline also said that the unclear decisions from the government and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) allowed a strike to happen even during binding arbitration. WestJet added:
“With no path forward to resolution, both parties made essential movements to find common ground and achieve an agreement.”
The AMFA, which has the legal right to strike, represents approximately 680 WestJet workers. The union initiated a strike on June 28, 2024, following multiple unsuccessful negotiations aimed at securing higher pay and better working conditions through a collective bargaining agreement.
Substantial disruption
In response to the strike, the Canadian carrier was forced to cancel over 400 flights. The cancelations affected more than 50,000 passengers who had plans for the long holiday weekend in Canada.
Photo: Welshboy2020 | Shutterstock
In addition, the airline said it was forced to park 130 aircraft at 13 airports across the country. It is worth noting that WestJet currently has a total of 134 aircraft in its fleet, with its subsidiary WestJet Encore operating 47 aircraft and WestJet Link having five aircraft in its fleet, as per Planespotters.net.
With July 1 falling on a Monday, a national holiday for Canada Day, the airline group said that over 250,000 passengers had booked tickets for the long weekend. Previously, WestJet expressed disappointment over the AMFA strike, holding the labor union accountable for what it described as “reckless actions.”
Related
Nearly 50,000 WestJet Passengers Affected As Mechanics Strike Continues Through Holiday Weekend
The airline said it is “working to safely reduce its operating fleet to approximately 30 aircraft” by Sunday.
What are your thoughts on this? Has your flight been affected by the weekend strike? Let us know in the comments section below.