Wednesday, June 26, 2024 WestJet received its second strike notification in just over a week from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and other Technical Operations employees. The potential work stoppage, scheduled by AMFA, could begin as early as Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m.
MT, coinciding with a busy long weekend during which over 70,000 guests per day have travel plans. Despite both parties agreeing to resume negotiations for four days, AMFA issued the strike notice within 24 hours. WestJet put forward an updated offer that includes a significant 22% wage increase for WestJet AMEs over four years, positioning them as the highest-paid AMEs in Canada.
However, the union’s demands far exceed this proposal, remaining deemed unreasonable. “Receiving a second strike notification from the union after they mutually agreed with WestJet in front of the CIRB 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 Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Chief Operating Officer. “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 f.
