March 31, 2023
Dear WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Skilled Trade Groups:
On March 30, 2023, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) granted AMFA’s application for certification as the bargaining agent at WestJet for a unit comprising of:
All employees of WestJet, an Alberta Partnership, integral to the coordination and performance of aircraft maintenance, including aircraft maintenance engineers (AME), apprentice AMEs, aircraft maintenance leads (AML), avionics technicians (AVT), apprentice AVTs, inspector crew leads (ICL), structures AMEs, apprentice structures AMEs, maintenance planners, day-of operations planners, technicians furnishing, apprentice technicians furnishing, maintenance controllers, senior specialists configuration control, fleet engineers, instructors technical, senior instructors technical, technical representatives and senior specialists technical services, excluding receiving inspectors, lead receiving inspectors, maintenance auditors, quality assurance auditors, GSE positions, management coordinators and positions above.
The Board confirmed that the unit “share[s] a community of interests in that the work performed is directed towards the repair, maintenance and trade certification of aircraft.” Responding to Company objections, the Board reaffirmed its exclusive power to shape and define bargaining units. The certified unit covers approximately 670 employees.
AMFA could not be more excited to work with its newest members and advocate for your interests in raising the standards and elevating the craft/trade. AMFA’s footprint in Canada continues to expand – it now represents AMEs and skilled trade groups in Canada at L3 Harris MAS and WestJet. The CIRB is currently seized with AMFA’s application to represent skilled maintenance employees at Air Canada. Employee groups at other major Canadian airlines have expressed interest in AMFA representation as being a craft/trade-specific, independent aviation union.
Sincerely,
Bret Oestreich
National President
