AMFA AND WESTJET REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT. STRIKE IS OVER
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bret Oestreich, National President
Phone: (720) 744–6628
Email: bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org
Contact: Ian Evershed, AMFA-WestJet ALR
Phone: (905) 691–4863
Email: ianevershed@gmail.com
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — June 30, 2024, — We are grateful and relieved to announce that the AMFA-represented Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and WestJet have successfully negotiated a contract covering the next five years. This will end our lawful strike action against the company, effective immediately.
As a direct result of our members’ solidarity, AMFA was able to reach a second tentative agreement (TA2) providing substantial improvements over both the current terms of employment and the terms provided for in the first tentative agreement.
TA2 provides for immediate pay increases, full restoration of the WestJet Savings Plan (WSP), and improved benefits for the employees.
WestJet’s final concessions were obtained due to three principal factors:
1. The CIRB’s decision to uphold our right to strike
2. The exemplary discipline our members demonstrated in implementing that strike
3. The Union’s commitment to direct all employees back to work immediately now that TA2 has been signed
We have requested that all AMEs return to work immediately so that we can provide the value of their labour that was the primary element in achieving this deal.
AMFA-WJ members in good standing will soon vote to ratify the TA to solidify it as the group’s first collective bargaining agreement. Ratification will render the compulsory arbitration ordered by the Labour Minister unnecessary.
The Union Negotiating Committee is grateful for everyone’s indispensable contribution and support of labour groups across Canada.
We believe this outcome would not have been possible without the strike, but we do regret the disruption and inconvenience it has caused the traveling public over the Canada Day holiday period. The timing was coincidental as the negotiation process did not follow a predictable timeline. We are pleased the strike lasted only 48 hours and that service can now return to normal. We appreciate the support the public has given us as our organization stood up to management on behalf of hardworking Canadians. We appreciate everyone’s patience in the face of cancelled flights and changing plans.
Now it’s time to show the world how we make WestJet fly. Thank you from all of us at AMFA and the WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers we represent.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled trade groups actively involved in the aviation industry. These employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians/engineers and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled people it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.
