WestJet Prepares for Strike By Aircraft Maintenance Engineers; Union Files opposition to WestJet’s Integration with Sunwing

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — April 2, 2024 — WestJet Executive Vice President Angela Avery issued an internal communication yesterday advising WestJet employees that the carrier was preparing for a strike by its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

AMEs have expressed fury at WestJet’s “comprehensive” offer, which proposes a five-year contract with wage increases limited to 3.5%, 2%, 2%, 1%, and 1% in successive years. The low offer was made notwithstanding WestJet’s admission that it cannot fill AME vacancies due to its low entry-level wages. Ms. Avery advised WestJet employees that, “we are actively developing business continuity plans to minimize operational disruption should labour action occur …”

“We are the engineers who keep WestJet’s planes airworthy and flying,” commented AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “Given the expected rate of inflation, the proposal actually constitutes a wage reduction with a continued chokehold on industry wages for these skilled professionals. If that is WestJet’s offer then, yes, the carrier should be preparing for a strike.”

Today, AMFA filed with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) its opposition to WestJet’s proposed integration with Sunwing Airlines. Concurring with Ms. Avery’s appraisal, AMFA’s filing observed: “Labour relations at WestJet are in a state of chaos with AMFA and WestJet on a path toward a strike or lockout in a matter of weeks.”

The filing also recounted that WestJet has engaged in an ongoing challenge to the CIRB definition of the AMFA-represented bargaining unit on two separate fronts and that a new group of airline employees should not be added to an undefined unit.

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft/trade-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed technicians/engineers and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These skilled professionals work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating their 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.

Contact: Bret Oestreich, National President

Phone: (720) 744–6628

Email: bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org