CALGARY- WestJet (WS) appeared before the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) today to discuss its request for arbitration in negotiations with the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Tech Ops employees.
The CIRB stated that it needs more time and additional submissions from both parties before deciding if the first collective bargaining agreement should be resolved through arbitration.
WestJet Technicians Cancels Strike
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has withdrawn its strike notice. Both parties have agreed to return to the bargaining table to work towards a resolution.
“We recognize the impact the initial cancellations had on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “In returning to the bargaining table, we are committed to finding a resolution to avoid further disruption to our operations.”
WestJet is working to resume normal operations quickly and efficiently while ensuring the highest level of safety. Guests are encouraged to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Earlier, WestJet reported that they will be required to cancel 40 flights which can affect 6,500 passengers.
“We are immensely disheartened to be in a position where we must activate our contingency plan and begin parking aircraft due to the strike notice served by AMFA. We deeply regret the disruption this will cause to the travel plans of our guests, and to the communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “After the membership’s nearly unanimous rejection of a generous tentative agreement that would have made our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in the country, with a take-home pay increase of 30 to 40 percent in the first year, it is clear that the bargaining process has broken down.”
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