FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – June 11, 2024 – Today, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) rejected a tentative agreement (TA) with WestJet Airlines by an overwhelming 97.25% no vote. The AMEs are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

AMFA National President Bret Oestreich stated that, based on member communications to date, the leading causes for rejection are economic and WestJet’s bad faith bargaining tactics throughout the negotiation process.

“WestJet has admitted that they cannot hire qualified engineers at the rates it is paying. Positions are unfilled, and AMEs are resigning.  Grounded planes are piling up.  Still, WestJet’s final offer was more than 30 percent below the prevailing rate at North American carriers.”

“Members were particularly bitter with the bad faith at the negotiating table.  For months at a time, WestJet refused to respond to Union proposals.  Frequently, WestJet rejected our proposals without an explanation or with the disdainful rationale that AMEs were not entitled to the same benefits or work rules as pilots.  The airline violated the status quo mandated by the Canada Labour Code by outsourcing maintenance work and reducing benefits. WestJet’s lack of respect for its AMEs contributed mightily to the contract rejection.” 

This week, AMFA will survey the membership to ascertain the revisions that must be made to the TA to achieve ratification.

“WestJet needs to offer a compensation package that reflects the AMEs’ indispensable contribution to the airline’s safe operations; otherwise, these AMEs will simply pack up and take their skills elsewhere,” said Oestreich.

“WestJet Airlines has major problems retaining experienced licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers while trying to adequately staff positions throughout their Technical Operations department. This is not the time to disregard the value of skilled professionals and miss an opportunity for the Company to be an innovator in negotiations affecting the industry. WestJet is a profitable airline. It is time for it to invest to ensure that it can hire and retain the best and brightest AMEs in the industry.”

We are honored to give these professionals a voice as stakeholders and to help them take control of their destiny through democratic representation.”

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft/trade-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed technicians and other unlicensed skilled employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These professionals work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating professional standing and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled employees it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.