WestJet and the union have been at the negotiating table since September 2023. (File photo)
Photo: The U.S. Press / Jeff McIntosh
THE Air carrier WestJet and the union that represents aircraft maintenance mechanics reached a tentative agreement Sunday evening, avoiding a work stoppage that was scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Members of theAircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) must still approve the agreement, indicates WestJet in a press release.
After nine months of arduous negotiations, we are proud to have reached an agreement in principle which will now be presented, as part of the ratification process, to the chief technicians responsible for aircraft maintenance and other Technical Operations employees.
said Will Abbott, president of theAMFAin the press release.
The Calgary-based airline andAMFA had been at the negotiating table since September 2023. The main points in dispute were salaries and benefits.
SATURDAY, WestJet had sent a 72-hour lockout notice to the union, with the company indicating thatMay at noon”,”text”:”a work stoppage will take place from May 7 at noon”}}”>a work stoppage will take place starting May 7 at noon
if no agreement was reached.
Members of theAMFA had started a strike vote on May 2, which was to last for a week. The union had already encouraged passengers to book their travel with other airlines.
According to the president of WestJetDiederik Pen, tentative agreement addresses key concerns around pay, benefits and hours.
We are grateful to have reached an agreement, avoiding a work stoppage and any impact on our customers’ travel plans
said Mr. Pen on Sunday.
With information from CBC
