WestJet mechanics ratify collective agreement following Canada Day strike
The union representing WestJet’s aircraft maintenance engineers announced Friday that members have ratified a collective bargaining agreement following strike action that disrupted travel plans over the Canada Day long weekend.
In an update to members, the AMFA-WestJet Negotiating Committee said the agreement was approved by 96 per cent of members. Union leaders said the two-day strike “had the effect of resurrecting a dying craft.”
“We have placed Canada on a path of enhanced aviation safety by providing a new standard for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) compensation,” the committee said.
“The major improvements secured in our collective agreement will begin to attract a new generation of talent to aircraft maintenance.”
Hundreds of WestJet flights were cancelled just before the Canada Day long weekend after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative deal from the Calgary-based airline.
The move followed a directive by federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan ordering the two parties to binding arbitration and two weeks of turbulent discussions over a new deal.
Union officials were seeking a collective agreement that included higher wages and benefits.
In a brief news release issued Friday, WestJet president and chief operating officer Diederik Pen said reaching the deal is good news for the company and its guests.
“Reaching this milestone is good news for our organization and our guests, solidifying a five-year agreement that provides stability to our business and reflects the instrumental value and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees,” he said.
“While we are grateful to have achieved resolution with a clear path forward together as a unified
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