The Minister of Labour has directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assist WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) in reaching a first collective agreement.
WestJet and AMFA will now enter final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding terms of the collective agreement. The airline has acknowledged the Minister's direction to secure industrial peace, and AMFA has confirmed they will abide by the direction. With this process in place, a strike or lockout will not occur, and WestJet will no longer proceed in cancelling flights.
WestJet Logo (Photo Credit: WestJet)
"With the government's actions, the summer travel plans of Canadians have been protected and we have a path to resolution," said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
"We recognize the significant impact the initial cancellations continue to have on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding as we resume operations."
Close to 10,000 WestJet passengers saw their flights cancelled during the fractious negotiations that saw AMFA issue a 72-hour strike notice on two occasions.
WestJet says it is ramping up its operations as quickly and efficiently as possible. Guests are encouraged to continue checking the status of their flights before departing for the airport.
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