For Immediate Release

WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Seek Representation by AMFA

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – 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.

AMFA is the only union that constitutionally limits itself to representing the craft and class, or skilled trade, of aviation technicians and related employees, thus avoiding conflicts of interest with other groups. The grassroots organizing efforts of the L3 Harris MAS AMEs culminated in the planting of AMFA’s trade union flag in Canada in 2022. 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 United States. The North American wage comparison data in Canada for AMEs and Related professionals has been suppressed for too long.

 “AMFA’s application has been filed and we now await the CIRB’s commencement of the review process,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President, "We have submitted documentation confirming that a majority of AMEs support AMFA representation and are confident that the process will conclude in union certification.”

AMFA’s objectives are to raise the standards and increase the recognition of AME and related employees, and the AMFA Constitution is the catalyst for the membership to have the power and control of the union. A primary objective is to decrease suppression of wages and increase focus on industry safety standards. "This is an opportunity for the AMEs at WestJet to reverse the erosion of their wages, benefits, work rules, and workplace culture,” said Oestreich.

This is AMFA’s most recent attempt at representing a trade group in Canada, where there are more than 100 Aerospace and Defense Contractors and approximately 550 licensed air carriers transporting passengers and cargo to destinations both domestic and international. There are approximately 17,000 AMEs in Canada that necessitate a union advocating for our trade-specific value and interests. Several other airlines, maintenance repair operation facilities, and the Aerospace and Defense Contractors across North America are in a similar process.

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