WestJet strikes deal with mechanics, avoiding Sask. flight disruptions
Saskatchewan travelers can breathe a sigh of relief — WestJet announced on Sunday it reached a tentative agreement with a newly-formed mechanics’ union just 48 hours before a threatened lockout.
According to a joint statement from the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the two groups managed to strike a deal on Sunday, which will now go to the union membership for a ratification vote.
The deal comes on the heels of a strike vote from the union that was set to wrap up Thursday.
The union, which represents around 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups with the carrier, had cited wages, outsourcing, scheduling and layoff protection as standout issues during negotiations.
On Saturday WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union to pre-empt the strike — the move would have brought service disruptions across the airline starting Tuesday.
The terms of the deal have not yet been released, but a spokesperson for the union says it represents months of bargaining.
“After nine months of tough negotiating, we are proud to have reached a tentative agreement that will now be presented, through the ratification process, to the hardworking aircraft maintenance engineers and other technical operations employees who go above and beyond to maintain a best-in-class culture of safety for the WestJet Group,” said AMFA regional director Will Abbott.
WestJet president Diederik Pen said he’s “grateful” to have struck a deal, averting a work stoppage and any impacts on customers.
“We sincerely appreciate our guests’ patience during this time and are pleased to move forward with an unwavering focus,” Pen said.
According to the company, WestJet currently has over 14,000 employees and 180 aircraft, offering flights to “more than 100 destinations in 26 countries.”
-With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
Tanks reach Rafah's centre as Israel presses assault despite global scrutiny
Israeli tanks reached the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground operation in the southern Gaza city that has sparked global condemnation.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Arm of mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff: Mexican government
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.
Five of Ontario's top 10 worst roads are located in the Toronto area
A new pothole-riddled street in Hamilton has taken the top spot for the worst road in Ontario, according to a new list released by the Canadian Automotive Association (CAA) on Tuesday.
DEVELOPING In Trump's hush money trial, prosecutors and defence lawyers are poised to make final pitch to jury
Prosecutors and defence lawyers in Donald Trump's hush money trial are set to deliver closing arguments to the jury Tuesday, each side looking to score final points with the panel before it starts deliberating the fate of the first former American president to be charged with felony crimes.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.