CIRB REAFFIRMS UNION’S RIGHT TO STRIKE. AMFA AND WESTJET RETURN TO THE BARGAINING TABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bret Oestreich, National President
Phone: (720) 744–6628
Email: bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — June 20, 2024 — Last night, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) held a more than six-hour emergency conference regarding the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and WestJet, an Alberta Partnership (WestJet).
On June 17, WestJet informed AMFA that it was refusing to engage in bargaining sessions scheduled for June 19–20 in Calgary. Instead, WestJet would pursue compulsory arbitration of contractual terms or force the adoption of a collective bargaining agreement that had been rejected by 97.5% of the employees. AMFA served a strike notice in direct response to WestJet refusal to bargain. Subsequently, WestJet asked for a request for relief and CIRB intervention.
In a decision rendered late last night, the CIRB declined WestJet’s application for an injunction that would have prevented WestJet’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) from striking.
The CIRB’s decision is a critical reaffirmation of union employees’ fundamental right to strike providing the parties have satisfied the appropriate conditions and requirements. As such, the Board will not interfere with AMFA’s strike action urging WestJet to return to the bargaining table and achieve a deal.
Immediately following the CIRB’s decision, WestJet agreed to return to the bargaining table June 25–26 in Toronto and July 2–3 in Calgary. WestJet’s commitment to return to the table prompted AMFA to withdraw its strike notice.
“AMFA’s goal all along is to bargain an industry-changing contract acceptable to our members,” stated Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “We hope that WestJet’s agreement to return to the table means we can get the contract our members want. Meanwhile, the result of the strike authorization vote, authorized by 99.18% of the workgroup, remains in force until July 9, 2024, and the Board’s decision late last night reinforces that the rights of our membership have not been impeded.”
“We will return to the table to negotiate a contract that improves wages, benefits, and quality of life. Compared to other Canadian trades, the AMEs and related skilled workgroups have been suppressed for decades at WestJet and across the entire aviation industry.
At this time, the AMFA-WJ membership must refrain from any job action as the parties continue bargaining.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft/trade-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed technicians and other unlicensed skilled employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These professionals work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating professional standing and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled employees it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.
