Airline confirms labour action has been
avoided and no additional flights will be cancelled
CALGARY,
AB, June 27, 2024 /CNW/ - WestJet today,
received confirmation that the Minister of Labour has directed the
Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assist WestJet and the
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) in reaching a first
collective agreement. The CIRB confirmed receipt and has taken
actions to start the process.
WestJet and AMFA will enter final binding arbitration to resolve
the outstanding terms of the collective agreement. The airline
acknowledges the Minister's direction to secure industrial peace,
and AMFA has confirmed they will abide by the direction. Given
this, a strike or lockout will not occur, and the airline will no
longer proceed in cancelling flights.
"With the government's actions, the summer travel plans of
Canadians have been protected and we have a path to resolution,"
said Diederik Pen, President of
WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. "We recognize
the significant impact the initial cancellations continue to have
on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their
patience and understanding as we resume operations."
WestJet is ramping up its operations as quickly and efficiently
as possible, while ensuring the highest degree of safety. Guests
are encouraged to continue checking the status of their
flights before departing for the airport.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in
half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet
launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five
destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,
14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26
countries.
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership