Achi news desk-
WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its aircraft maintenance engineers, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.
As a result of the notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday at 12 pm MT, unless an agreement is reached.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not taken lightly, and we truly regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes our guests,” said Diederik Pen, CEO and president WestJet.
“Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Pen.
WestJet said issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel will be disrupted. However, the company said it would take the necessary steps in the coming days to manage the impact of a possible work stoppage.
Those measures include reducing flight schedules, proactively managing changes and cancellations, and providing flexible change and cancellation options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.
“With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote warning last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we cannot allow unpredictability and lack of progress to continue. We have no other option but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution,” said Pen.
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WestJet has been in labor negotiations with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association since last September.
Global News has reached out to the union for comment; however on Tuesday, the AMFA asked members to vote by email until May 9 to authorize the union to call a strike. If members vote to strike, their action could start any time after May 9.
In a previous statement, the union had said that “wages have been frozen in Canada for several years” and that previous offers of wage increases from Westjet were “not acceptable.”
The company said it has submitted a proposal to AMFA that it said would make its aircraft maintenance engineers the highest paid in Canada. The company said the deal would have a cumulative pay increase of more than 20 percent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer also promised work-life balance and commitments on job security, the company said.
“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed contract reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect our guests’ travel plans and to provide long-term stability and security for all WestJet Group employees,” Pen said.
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