Mechanics and employer resume negotiations, preventing a strike and aiming to avoid further disruptions
WestJet airplane mechanics have decided not to strike for now, as both sides agreed to resume negotiations.
This decision came after the cancellation of nearly 50 flights, as reported by BNN Bloomberg.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board stated it requires more time and submissions from each party before deciding on WestJet's proposal for binding arbitration to create a collective agreement.
This proposal led to a 72-hour strike notice from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association on Monday evening.
The labour board also declined to bar job action temporarily, returning the airline to the bargaining table after it had temporarily cut off talks with the union.
Anticipating a potential strike, WestJet cancelled 45 flights on Wednesday and Thursday, affecting thousands of passengers as it began to park its 180-plane fleet.
Both sides announced they would return to the negotiating table to resolve their differences regarding a contract for the over 670 mechanics — their first with the Calgary-based airline. Union members had overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal last week and opposed WestJet's arbitration request.
By Thursday morning, the union rescinded its strike notice, stating it would not initiate job action “while, in its determination, bargaining remains productive.” WestJet aims to resolve the issue without further service disruption and to resume normal operations swiftly.
“We recognize the impact the initial cancellations had on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,” said WestJet Airlines president Diederik Pen.
