‘UNPRECEDENTED IMPACT’: Mechanics ratify WestJet contract, airline admits concern

WestJet Airlines says the tentative contract between the company and its mechanics has been ratified. But though the deal is “good news,” the airline admits that the disruption the job action cause is “still concerning for our guests, the communities we serve, and our people.”

The ratification news comes in the aftermath of a two-day strike by the plane mechanics that nearly shut down WestJet’s network for 29 hours over the Canada Day long weekend and cost it millions of dollars.

The work stoppage that began on June 28 forced the airline to cancel more than 1,050 flights during one of the busiest travel windows of the year.

WestJet says the new five-year agreement between the airline and the union representing aircraft maintenance engineers will provide stability for its business and “a clear path forward as a unified team.”

The airline says it’s grateful to have “achieved resolution” but recognizes the “unprecedented impact” of the recent strike.

In a news release, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association says the ratified agreement is “historic” and contains wage increases that “reflect the value that these highly skilled engineers” add to the airline.