Monday, July 1, 2024 WestJet has announced that as of 10:30 p.m. MT on June 30, 2024, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has called off their strike action.
AMFA members will promptly return to work to begin efforts to restore the airline’s operations. Talks between WestJet and AMFA resumed earlier today after a stalemate since June 27, focusing on the Minister’s order for binding arbitration. The parties aimed to reach a tentative agreement to mitigate disruptions to the Canadian public.
“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,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “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 lack of clear guidance from the government and decisions by the CIRB led to a strike during the binding arbitration process.
Without a clear resolution path, both sides took significant steps toward finding mutual understanding and reaching an agreement. In response to the strike, the company had to ground 130 aircraft at 13 airports throughout Canada. Following recent developments, the airline will start resuming operations safely and promptly.
However, due to the major disruptions to WestJet’s network in recent days, a return t.
