WestJet issues 72-hour lockout notice to mechanics
CALGARY — WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its mechanics and has warned that a work stoppage could happen as early as Tuesday.
The Calgary-based airline said in a statement that the decision follows an announcement of a strike vote by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents about 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups with the carrier.
The union is currently negotiating its first collective agreement with the airline and has warned travellers in social media posts against booking with WestJet in the near future, “as a work stoppage may result in unwanted delays and disruptions.”
Wages, outsourcing, scheduling and layoff protection have been cited by the union as issues in the negotiations.
WestJet president Diederik Pen said in the airline’s statement that the decision to issue a lockout notice wasn’t made lightly, but added that the union continues to show up to the bargaining table with what he calls “unreasonable demands and expectations.”
The statement said WestJet has presented an offer to union that would make WestJet maintenance engineers the highest paid in Canada.
“With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue,” Pen said in the statement.
“We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”
WestJet said the 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. But it said it will take steps in the coming days to mitigate any possible impacts, such as preparing to operate a reduced schedule and providing flexible change and cancel options for customers.
The strike vote will continue until Thursday.