WestJet avoids maintenance workers’ strike with government intervention

A WestJet workers’ strike has been narrowly avoided with the government now intervening in negotiations with the aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) union.

Earlier this June, WestJet’s AMEs rejected the terms proposed in their new contract, with 97.5% of the employees wanting more than was offered. 

From there negotiations were to take place between WestJet and the union representing the AMEs, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) from June 19th to 20th. 

Negotiations were cancelled by WestJet who turned to forming a litigation strategy to sue the AMEs of alleged industrial sabotage, according to AMFA. 

They say the company was trying to impose the rejected contract by force, but this strategy was unsuccessful. 

AMFA handed WestJet a strike notice which pushed the company to agree to return to the negotiations table. 

“These negotiations resumed under inauspicious circumstances,” says AMFA. 

“WestJet’s CEO had made public statements that there would be no economic improvements.  The Company has asserted to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that further negotiations would be a futility.”

The union added that they believe in the mutual obligation to make every effort to reach an agreement.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 25th, AMFA provided WestJet with a proposal that would satisfy its members, the AMEs. 

According to the union, WestJet’s counter-offer was to provide a raise of less than 1%. 

“AMFA Negotiators worked into the evening and submitted a counter-proposal,” said the union. 

“We also, reluctantly, submitted the AMEs’ 72-hour strike notice in the hope that it will prompt WestJet to provide its employees with a good faith offer. One hour later, WestJet issued a second 72-hour lockout notice in kind.”

In the afternoon of Thursday, June 27th, the Minister of Labour ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene as arbitrator in the negotiations between the union and WestJet. 

However, before this order was given, WestJet cancelled 25 flights on Thursday, June 27th, impacting a total of around 3,300 customers.