Here we go again. WestJet has received a second strike notification from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), less than one day into the parties' mutual agreement to return to the bargaining table across four days.
The work stoppage could occur as early as Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. MT in advance of the Canada Day long weekend, when more than 70,000 guests per day are booked for travel
WestJet presented a revised offer during the talks, which it says would see union members receive a 22% increase over four years. The airline says the offer would make its mechanics and technical operations staff the best paid in Canada.
“The union's ask exceeds this mark by a long shot and remains unreasonable,” WestJet said in a press release.
Diederik Pen has been named president of WestJet Airlines. (Photo Credit: WestJet)
"Receiving a second strike notification from the union after they mutually agreed with WestJet in front of the CIRB (Canadian Industrial Relations Board) 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 WestJet Airlines president and COO Diederik Pen.
"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 says it is committed to the collective bargaining process and remains available to reach an agreement on reasonable terms. A CIRB ruling on first contract arbitration, under section 80 of the Canada Labour Code, is still pending.
"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," concluded Pen.
While stating that the union issuing strike notice does not mean travel disruption will occur, WestJet says it will take 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 guests will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable.
Advisors and travellers can visit WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status and travel changes.
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