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Ongoing mechanics strike forces WestJet to issue 235 more flight cancellations
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association’s (AMFA’s) decision to strike at the start of the Canada Day long weekend has led to 235 more flight cancellations at WestJet.
In a news briefing Saturday (June 29), WestJet said it will be forced to continue issuing flight cancellations until the union’s “irrational strike action is rescinded, or immediate intervention is received.”
The AMFA, which represents WestJet’s aircraft maintenance engineers and tech ops, called a surprise strike late Friday evening (June 28) despite intervention from the Canadian government one day before.
READ MORE: WestJet “outraged” as mechanics go on strike, “severe” disruptions expected
“The union remains engaged in dialogue with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and the airline to resolve this impasse,” the AMFA wrote in a posted statement. “The AME’s were hopeful this action would be unnecessary but the airline’s unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”
“While the AME’s and their union are eager to get back to work, the timeline for that is very much in the hands of WestJet Management.”
A "devastating" situation
Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer, called the situation “devastating.”
“The union’s irrational actions are single-handedly causing irrevocable damage to our guests who are missing wedding celebrations, critical medical appointments, family reunions and long-awaited vacations, while stranding thousands of Canadians who are left without support or a flight home,” Pen said Saturday.
“We are seeking every avenue for intervention and working around the clock to maintain a stable network, while we reduce our flying in a safe and controlled manner.”
Total cancellation summary
Through Saturday (June 29) WestJet will continue parking aircraft in stations across Canada with significant disruptions expected by end of day. The airline has also activated flexible change and cancellation policies for travel through Saturday.
WestJet has also posted this total cancellation summary:
Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024
25 cancellations
3,300 guests impacted
Friday, June 28
150 cancellations
20,000 guests impacted
Saturday, June 29
235 cancellations
33,000 guests impacted
Labour Minister reviewing situation
The WestJet Group's CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech took to his X platform early Saturday to address the situation.
"How disheartening having to cancel hundreds of flights in response to an unreasonable strike by AMFA despite being ordered into arbitration. Bargaining is over and a strike serves no one! This is irresponsible and I am very sorry for our guests who bear the consequences," von Hoensbroech wrote.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has also spoken out on X, writing Saturday that he is reviewing the Canada Industrial Relations Board's decision, "which is clearly inconsistent with my direction to the Board."
"I will be looking at additional steps to protect the interests of the employer, the union and all Canadians travelling over this holiday weekend," O’Regan wrote.
von Hoensbroech reposted the statement to his account, welcoming the remarks. "Urgent resolution is required to prevent further disruption to Canadians travel plans," wrote WestJet's CEO.
"This union is very different"
WestJet said it presented the AMFA with an “industry-leading agreement that is better suited than the previously rejected tentative agreement.” The offer is a 22 per cent increase in pay over four years.
At a press conference earlier this week, von Hoensbroech said WestJet has a “great track record” of coming up with reasonable agreements with its union partners.
“But this union is very different,’ he said, noting that the AMFA is a U.S.-based organization.
He said the AMFA lost the majority of its membership in the U.S. “because of their unreasonable behaviour.”
“They’re trying to push into Canada and get access to Canadian airlines. They’re now taking Canadians hostage to make their marketing platform [and] become a union in Canada. I’m not sure we want that," said von Hoensbroech.
He said the average aircraft maintenance engineer at WestJet made $109,000 in 2023. “That’s a fair amount of money,” he said, adding that the best paid engineers make between $150,000 and $170,000.
“They’re already among the best paid in Canada."
For further context on the evolving situation, travellers and travel advisors can review this Fact Page on westjet.com.
This is a developing story.
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