WestJet sends 72-hour lockout notice to mechanics union, prepares to cut schedule

CALGARY — WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its mechanics and is warning that a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday.

The Calgary-based airline said in a statement that the decision follows the announcement of a strike vote by the Fraternal Association of Aircraft Mechanics, which represents approximately 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and carrier-skilled trade groups.

The union is currently negotiating its first collective agreement with the airline and has warned travelers in social media posts not to book WestJet any time soon because “the work stoppage could cause unnecessary delays and disruptions.”

Salaries, outsourcing, scheduling and layoffs were cited by the union as issues in the negotiations.

WestJet President Diederic Pen said in a statement the airline said the decision to issue the lockout notice was not taken lightly, but that the union would continue to come to the bargaining table with what he called “unreasonable demands and expectations.”

The statement said WestJet made the union the highest-paid offer WestJet maintenance engineers in Canada.

“With AMFA issuing a vote warning last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we cannot allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to make it a final decision,” Pen said in a statement.

WestJet said the 72-hour lockdown notice does not mean travel will be disrupted. But it said it would take steps to mitigate the potential impact, such as preparing for a reduced schedule in the coming days and offering customers flexible change and cancellation options.

Voting for the strike will continue until Thursday.

This Canadian Press report was first published on May 4, 2024.

Canadian Press