End of Strike: WestJet Mechanics Agreement Reached

DALLAS — WestJet confirmed in a press release that it has struck a tentative agreement with the striking Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and that union workers “will return to work as scheduled to immediately” little after one in the morning Eastern Time on July 1.

The agreement, according to the union, stipulates that there will be an instant 15.5% pay boost, a pay increase of 3.25% the following year, and annual wage increases of 2.5% for the last three years of the five-year contract.

WestJet added that there would be no further job action as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in case union members reject the tentative deal. While this is the end of WS mechanics' strike, the airline notes that it will take some time to get its operations up and running again.

WestJet reported that due to the strike action, it was compelled to park 130 aircraft at 13 airports across Canada. Approximately 110,000 WS customers were impacted by 832 flight cancellations due to the strike.

"WestJet & AMFA have reached a tentative agreement, Canadians’ patience having been worn too thin. Collective bargaining is the responsibility of the parties. The responsibility of the government is to facilitate and mediate that bargaining. The parties finally did their jobs," said Transport Minister Seamus O'Regan via X/Twitter.

Comments from WestJet, AMFA

WestJet CEO Alexis van Hoensbroech write on his X/Twitter feed, "Today we found a path forward and came to a tentative agreement with AMFA, ending the strike action. I am deeply sorry for the impact this had on our guests. We will now work to rebuild our wonderful airline as swiftly as possible."

"Given the significant impact to WestJet's network over the past few days, returning to business-as-usual flying will take time and further disruptions over the coming week are to be anticipated as the airline gets aircraft and crew back into position." - WestJet

Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, added, "The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented."

“We are grateful and relieved to announce that the AMFA-represented Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and WestJet have successfully negotiated a contract covering the next five years,” the union said in a statement on its website. “This will end our lawful strike action against the company, effective immediately.