November 10, 2023 -- We regret to report that the negotiating sessions were disappointing both in tone and substance. WestJet negotiators frequently relied on “industry standards” to justify the carrier’s proposals; however, when AMFA negotiators cited WestJet contracts with other employee groups as the basis for our proposals, the response was frequently dismissive or even derisive.
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October 17, 2023 -- On August 28, 2023, a senior WestJet manager summoned an AME into a meeting to question him concerning “numerous complaints” that had been received regarding the AME’s alleged hesitancy to accept certain assignments. The Company made no arrangement for union representation.
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October 6, 2023 -- On October 3 through 5, 2023, WestJet and AMFA representatives met in Toronto, ON to continue negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). At the first morning session, fourteen (14) WestJet AMEs stood directly behind the union negotiating team as AMFA reiterated its request that these members be permitted to attend bargaining sessions as silent observers.
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September 9, 2023 -- On September 7, 2023, an initial collective bargaining session was held between WestJet and AMFA representatives in Calgary, AB. AMFA negotiators Evershed and Weizman spoke forcefully concerning the decline in WestJet’s culture, providing numerous examples, including furloughs out of seniority order, irregularities in pay scale, and work privileges that have been eliminated without notice or rationale.
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August 15, 2023 -- AMFA National has called for a survey of WestJet Airlines (WJA) Skilled Trade Professionals. This survey is designed to help identify the group’s collective bargaining goals, direct the Negotiating Committee for the upcoming talks regarding your new collective bargaining agreement, and to determine the best method of communication for your group.
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August 3, 2023 -- As many of you know, on March 10, 2023, the Canadian Minister of Transport approved WestJet’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Sunwing Airlines. Sunwing is a low-cost carrier focused on vacation travel, and approximately 90% of the Sunwing aircraft maintenance workforce is based in Toronto.
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July 11, 2023 -- Votes for the AMFA-WJA Member-at-Large Negotiator Election were tallied on July 11, 2023. Votes for this election were counted and certified by ElectionBuddy, and the results are as follows...
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June 20, 2023 -- In the coming weeks, the AMFA-WestJet (WJA) will have their first opportunity to exercise their right to vote as AMFA members. Later this week, members in good standing will receive voting instructions to participate in an election to fill the position of Member-at-Large Negotiator.
 What_is_a_Local_ALR.pdf
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Who_is_on_my_Contract_Negotiating_Committee.pdf
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May 30, 2023 -- WestJet has long treated its employees with impunity, altering policies, and dictating working conditions without fear of repercussions. All that changes when the right union comes on board.
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May 1, 2023 -- On April 28, 2023, AMFA received notice that WestJet had filed a Notice of Application for Judicial Review with the Canada Federal Court of Appeal. The Company intends to challenge the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s (“CIRB”) certification decision on the grounds that the decision is “unreasonable” and contrary to “principles of natural justice.”
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April 25, 2023 -- AMFA National will be accepting contract proposals from May 15 through June 5, 2023, for the WestJet Negotiations commencing in the summer of this year. Contract Proposal Forms can be downloaded on the WestJet page of the National Website.
AMFA-WJA_Contratct_Proposal_Form_2023.pdf
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April 14, 2023 -- On behalf of the officers and representatives of AMFA, I would like to welcome you to the Association. This Digital New Member Package contains information regarding the next steps to establish membership with AMFA.
WestJet_Digital_New_Mbr_Welcome_Kit.pdf
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April 6, 2023 -- We are honored that the skilled trade groups at WestJet have chosen AMFA to represent you as your union. We look forward to starting the collective bargaining process and working to increase the standards in your workplace. The focus of AMFA will be to build the craft/trade, highlight and recognize the importance of our skilled trades.
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March 31, 2023 -- On March 30, 2023, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) granted AMFA’s application for certification as the bargaining agent at WestJet. 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.
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March 31, 2023 -- The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) officially announced yesterday that WestJet Airlines Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and skilled trade groups chose the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) as their collective bargaining agent. And today, AMFA is proud to continue to lead a craft/trade-specific labor union movement in Canada, while also continuing to be a force at the negotiating table and the voice of our skilled professionals in the US.
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March 1, 2023 -- On February 27, 2023, AMFA’s application to represent employees at WestJet cleared an initial procedural hurdle after an Industrial Relations Officer for the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (“CIRB") issued a report setting out the Union's and the Carrier’s respective positions. AMFA has applied to represent the following bargaining unit...
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February 2, 2023 -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is both inspired and stoked to announce AMFA has filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) seeking representation of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) at WestJet Airlines, who are currently not unionized and are the last major employee workgroup at WestJet Airlines to do so.
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January 27, 2023 -- I want to personally thank you for what you do and recognize your impact on our profession. Your dedication to prioritizing safety every time you touch an aircraft makes you critical to the success of any aviation maintenance operation.
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November 21, 2022 -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) continues to expand its footprint in Canada as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) of WestJet are seeking union representation. Earlier this year, AMFA was first certified in Canada as the bargaining agent for L3 Harris MAS, and has now been requested to organize and represent the AMEs of WestJet, who are currently not unionized. “We look forward to filing an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on behalf of the 640 WestJet AMEs in Canada,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President.
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