WestJet Airline Ltd. (WJA.TO) confirmed on Monday that the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) have withdrawn their strike action and the members will immediately return to work as scheduled to restore the network.
The airline and AMFA resumed talks earlier today, for the first time since Thursday, June 27, despite a stalemate on the intent of the Minister\'s order for binding arbitration. They did so to reach a tentative agreement and prevent further damage to the Canadian public.
\"We will see no further labor action coming out of this dispute, as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in the case of a failed ratification,\" said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
The airline noted that the lack of clarity from the government and the decisions taken by the CIRB allowed for a strike to occur amidst binding arbitration.
With no path forward to resolution, both parties made essential movements to find common ground and achieve an agreement.
The company was forced to park 130 aircraft at 13 airports across Canada, in response to the strike. With today\'s news, the airline will begin work to restore operations in a safe and timely manner.
Given the significant impact to WestJet\'s network over the past few days, the airline said returning to business-as-usual flying will take time and further disruptions over the coming week are to be anticipated as the airline gets aircraft and crew back into position.