June 30, 2024
You have all been the victim of WestJet’s virulent PR campaign that you are scofflaws with no respect for the law. The calumnies leveled against you occurred despite the CIRB’s ruling that the AMEs had retained their right to strike.
Last night, the CIRB ruled – yet again – that the AMEs have a right to withhold their labour. This is a “sacred” right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that permits workers to stand shoulder to shoulder in an effort to improve their lives.
Although the compulsory arbitration imposed by the Minister of Labour is scheduled to move forward on an expedited basis, the CIRB has held that, until that process is completed, we are entitled to continue our legal strike.
After the Board’s ruling last night, the parties remained in separate sessions with CIRB mediators to see if a deal could be reached that would bring an end to the strike and put the travel plans of Canadians back on track. AMFA made its last proposal on the evening of June 27, and the Company had promised a response by the following morning but then withheld its offer and terminated negotiations based on the Minister’s intervention. Finally, at 1:00 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, June 29, after waiting hours in a virtual breakout room, the mediators returned to inform us that WestJet executives had decided to “call it a night.”
In consideration of the Minister's concerns expressed yesterday, and with a focus on resolution, we remain committed to a negotiated solution; however, we cannot negotiate alone. We hope the Company will reconsider its standing refusal to respond to our proposals. Our passengers have been gravely inconvenienced, and we consider the responsibility for this harm to rest exclusively with WestJet.
Under the guidance of CIRB and FMCS mediators, the parties are set to reconvene sometime this morning. AMFA’s bargaining committee is standing by to continue discussions with the Company. The parties are separated by a first-year economic difference of approximately 7%, less than $8 million.
We will provide you with further information as soon as it becomes available.
Fraternally,
AMFA-WestJet Negotiating Committee
