WestJet AMFA workers are striking despite Minister’s order for arbitration and public commitment to abide by it

Severe travel disruption is expected on July long weekend

CALGARY, AB, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ – The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) have commenced strike action as of today, June 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm ET. despite Minister’s order for arbitration and public commitment to abide by it.

WestJet are extremely outraged at this turn of events and say they will hold AMFA 100 per cent accountable for the unnecessary stress and costs incurred to thousands of Canadians over this Canada Day weekend.

“The government has officially stepped in to provide binding arbitration and ensure we get to a resolution; the only reason for this union to continue with a strike action is to create damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and to inflict significant costs on our business,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Given arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no leverage on the arbitration’s outcome, so it is pure retaliation of a disappointed union. We are extremely outraged at these actions and will hold AMFA 100 per cent accountable for the unnecessary stress and costs incurred as a result.” 

The airline is actively and aggressively pursuing every avenue to minimize disruption, including asking for immediate intervention by the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). Severe travel disruption is to be expected if the strike is not called off immediately, as the network takedown can no longer happen in the orderly manner that WestJet had originally planned.

AMFA says the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees employees’ fundamental right to strike.  AMFA members’ constitutional right to strike must prevail. AMFA’s bargaining committee is standing by to continue discussions with the Company.  The parties are separated by economic difference of approximately 7%, less than $8 million dollars a year.

Check your flight status

Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and more.

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