WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its aircraft maintenance engineers, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The notice could result in a work stoppage as early as Tuesday at 12 p.m. MT if a deal is not reached. WestJet CEO Diederik Pen expressed regret over the situation and stated that the decision was made due to the union’s unreasonable demands and expectations during negotiations. While the airline stated that issuing the notice does not guarantee travel disruptions, it is taking necessary actions to manage the impact of a potential work-stoppage, including reducing flight schedules and providing flexible change options for passengers.
The labor negotiations between WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association began last September. The union has asked its members to vote by email until May 9 to authorize a strike. If members vote in favor of a strike, the work action could begin anytime after May 9. The union had previously cited suppressed wages in Canada and deemed WestJet’s previous offers of wage increases as unacceptable. In response, WestJet claimed to have offered a deal that would make its aircraft maintenance engineers the highest-paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 percent across the collective agreement span. The offer also included promises of work-life balance, job security commitments, and a commitment to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group.
In an effort to resolve the labor dispute and prevent potential travel disruptions, WestJet has taken the step to issue a lockout notice to the union. The company cited the AMFA’s actions, including public statements encouraging guests to fly with other carriers, as reasons for the notice. Despite efforts to reach a collective agreement, the airline felt that the lack of progress and unpredictability from the union left them with no alternative but to issue the lockout notice. WestJet emphasized its commitment to reaching an agreement while also ensuring that the travel plans of their guests are protected.
With the possibility of a work stoppage looming, WestJet is prepared to implement measures to manage the impact on its operations. These measures include proactively managing changes and cancellations, providing flexibility for passengers to make alternative arrangements, and potentially reducing flight schedules. The airline acknowledges the uncertainty the situation creates for its guests and apologizes for any disruptions that may occur. By issuing the lockout notice, WestJet aims to bring the labor dispute to a final resolution and ensure the long-term stability and security of its employees within the WestJet Group.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that both WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association are at an impasse in their negotiations. The union’s push for better wages and work conditions conflicts with the airline’s attempts to maintain cost-effectiveness and competitiveness in the industry. While both parties express a desire to reach a collective agreement, the escalating tensions have led to the potential for a work stoppage. As WestJet and the AMFA continue to navigate through the complexities of labor negotiations, the outcome of their discussions will ultimately impact the travel plans of passengers and the future of the airline’s maintenance engineers.
