WestJet issues lockout notice to aircraft mechanics

Flight delays with WestJet could be on the horizon after the airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) on Saturday.

The AMFA union represents WestJet aircraft maintenance engineers, and if a deal is not reached, there will be a work stoppage beginning at noon on Tuesday, May 7.

"Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations," said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airline and group chief operating officer.

"With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can't allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution."

WestJet added that it has been in active labour negotiations with the union since September 2023 and that the airline presented an offer that would make the engineers the highest paid in Canada.

The offer would deliver “industry-leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security" and give a cumulative wage increase of 20% over the collective agreement.

“The parties continue to make progress in these negotiations,” stated the latest update from the union.

“While we were dismayed the company (WestJet) decided to interrupt the negotiating progress to deliver its lockout notice, we are not deterred from our ultimate goal of reaching an agreement.”

WestJet said it will take “necessary actions” to manage the impact of a possible work stoppage including:

• Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
• Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
• Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.

More information about the possible impact on flights can be found at this link.