Monday, July 1, 2024 WestJet announced the positive resolution of their labor dispute with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) late last night. Mechanics will return to work immediately, allowing the airline to restore normal operations after a weekend of disruptions. Negotiations Resume, Agreement Reached: Talks between WestJet and AMFA resumed on June 30th, despite the earlier disagreement regarding binding arbitration.
Both parties prioritized reaching a tentative agreement to minimize inconvenience for Canadian travelers. “While the damage to our airline and the public is significant, we’re relieved to prevent further disruption,” stated Diederik Pen, WestJet President. “Both parties have committed to arbitration if the agreement is not ratified.
” Uncertainties Resolved, Focus on Recovery: The lack of government clarity and the decisions by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) initially allowed the strike to occur despite the arbitration order. With the agreement in place, WestJet will now focus on safely and efficiently restoring its network. “We anticipate disruptions in the coming week as we reposition crew and aircraft,” Pen added.
“We thank our guests for their patience and our dedicated WestJetters who navigated this challenging time with professionalism and care.” About WestJet: WestJet has been a significant force in the Canadian aviation industry for over 28 years, making air travel more accessible and affordable. They .
