The union representing mechanics at WestJet has retracted its strike notice after the airline agreed to resume negotiations. This development came after the strike threat led to the cancellation of approximately 50 flights last week, impacting around 6,500 passengers.
Bret Oestreich, national president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), expressed optimism about the resumed talks. “We hope that WestJet’s agreement to return to the table means we can get the contract our members want,” Oestreich stated on last Thursday. Despite withdrawing the strike notice, the union’s strike-authorization vote remains effective until July 9.
The union, representing about 680 WestJet mechanics, had overwhelmingly rejected the airline’s previous contract offer. In response, AMFA issued a 72-hour strike notice on last Monday night, following WestJet’s request for Canadian government intervention to mandate binding arbitration.
Canada’s industrial relations board convened on lastWednesday but declined to halt the union’s strike plans, prompting WestJet to return to the bargaining table. “In returning to the bargaining table, we are committed to finding a resolution to avoid further disruption to our operations,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet’s president.
The resolution to resume negotiations marks a temporary reprieve for the airline and its passengers, as both parties seek to finalize an agreement that satisfies the mechanics’ demands.