WestJet mechanics reject deal in "deeply concerning" move, says airline president

Back to the bargaining table.

The union that represents mechanics at WestJet says its members have overwhelmingly voted to reject a tentative agreement with the airline.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents some 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and other skilled trade positions at the airline, revealed Tuesday (June 11) that about 97 per cent of its members cast a ballot against the deal.

WestJet says the vote does not affect its operations, but company president Diederik Pen called the result "deeply concerning after what was a lengthy and challenging negotiation process with the union.”

“The tentative agreement was fair, offered substantial improvements and would have made them the best paid Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in the country. It was also reflective of our commitment to addressing their priorities, while balancing what is financially sustainable for our business,” Pen wrote in a statement.

The union has cited wages, outsourcing, scheduling and layoff protection as sticking points in the negotiations. 

The two sides reached a tentative deal on May 6, two days after WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice to mechanics following their announcement of a strike vote.

Pen said WestJet is committed to meeting with AMFA to determine next steps.

“Although it is important to realize that the financial scope of the first tentative agreement must remain intact,” Pen said. “Our goal remains to find a viable and reasonable path forward.”

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