A strike has been avoided for now between WestJet and the union representing its maintenance engineers.
In a statement, the airline says they have come to a tentative agreement with Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), after issuing a 72-hour lock out notice, Saturday.
Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer says they are grateful to arrive at a deal, averting a work stoppage and any impact to guests and travel plans.
“We sincerely appreciate our guests’ patience during this time and are pleased to move forward with an unwavering focus to providing friendly, reliable and affordable air service to Canadians for years to come, as one unified team.”
AMFA says they have been negotiating for nine months and are proud to have reached a deal.
If it is ratified, it would be the first collective bargaining agreement between the two sides.
The union represents 670 engineers and skilled trade groups.
Things like wages, scheduling and layoff protection were key issues during negotiations.
