Toronto, ON –WestJet mechanics have officially gone on strike just one day after Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding issues of the collective agreement between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). The strike commenced at 7:30 pm ET today.
WestJet swiftly responded to the strike notice, expressing strong disapproval. “The government has officially stepped in to provide binding arbitration and ensure we get to a resolution; the only reason for this union to continue with a strike action is to create damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and to inflict significant costs on our business,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Given arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no leverage on the arbitration’s outcome, so it is pure retaliation of a disappointed union. We are extremely outraged at these actions and will hold AMFA 100 percent accountable for the unnecessary stress and costs incurred as a result.”
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to travel plans over the busy July long weekend, affecting thousands of passengers across Canada.