WestJet today has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. As a result of today’s lockout notice, a work stoppage could occur as early as Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. MT, unless a deal is reached.

“The decision to issue a lockout notice was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret and apologize for the uncertainty this causes for our guests and the communities and regions that rely on us. Despite our unwavering commitment to reach a collective agreement, AMFA continues to show up to the bargaining table with unreasonable demands and expectations,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airline and Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AMFA publicly issuing a strike vote alert last week and publicly directing guests to fly with other carriers, we can’t allow the unpredictable nature and lack of progress to continue. We are left with no alternative but to issue a lockout notice in an attempt to bring this to a final resolution.”

The WestJet Group has been in active labour negotiations with AMFA since September 2023. The WestJet Group has presented an offer to AMFA that would make WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in Canada, with a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent across the span of the collective agreement. The offer would also deliver industry leading work-life balance standards and strong commitments to job security.

“We sincerely value the work and contributions of our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and our proposed agreement reflects this. We are unwaveringly committed to reaching an agreement to prevent travel disruption, however, we are equally prepared to protect the travel plans of our guests and to provide long-term stability and security for all employees at the WestJet Group,” concluded Pen.

Issuing a 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption will occur. However, in the coming days, the WestJet Group will take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible, including:

• Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
• Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
• Providing flexible change and cancel options for those who wish to make alternative arrangements.

WestJet has announced a significant increase in coast-to-coast travel options for Canadians with the initial release of its summer 2024 schedule. The airline is set to introduce 10 new routes and return or extend 16 routes that will continue to connect Canadians as part of its robust growth strategy. Publication of WestJet’s full summer schedule will be completed over the coming week.

Connecting Canadians Across the Country

In addition to the continued expansion of WestJet’s network with 15 new routes to and from Western Canada, this summer Eastern Canada will benefit from 11 new routes including: 

• New direct seasonal service between Calgary and Deer Lake, Nfld.
• The return of seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Deer Lake, Nfld., Moncton, N.B., Charlottetown, P.E.I., and Victoria, B.C.
• Return of transatlantic flying between Halifax and Dublin, Edinburgh and London, and St. John’s and London(Gatwick)
• 44 per cent growth in Halifax, N.S. and 60 per cent growth in St. John’s, Nfld. compared to Summer 2023

Leading in Leisure

As Canada’s top choice for leisure travel, the WestJet Group will offer more capacity than any other airline for Canadians looking to fly to popular sun destinations this summer. Highlights include:

• 57 per cent growth in Latin and Caribbean routes over summer 2023
• 56 per cent increase in capacity from Toronto to sun destinations
• More flights between Hawaii and Canada than any other airline, and the only airline providing year-round service between Canada and Maui-Kahului, from both Calgary and Vancouver

Transborder Growth and Expanded Access to Delta hubs

Providing increased opportunities for two-way travel between Canada and the United States, WestJet will grow transborder seat capacity by 26 per cent this summer, including 70 per cent growth to Delta hubs.

Highlights of the transborder schedule include:

• New service between Regina and Minneapolis, Vancouver and Detroit and Edmonton and Atlanta
• Direct connectivity between Edmonton and San Francisco and Nashville
• Return of summer seasonal service between Halifax and St. John’s to Orlando, Florida
• More direct flights to Phoenix and Las Vegas from Western Canada than any other airline

Through WestJet’s longstanding codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, guests can access more than 100 U.S. destinations when connecting through the U.S. airline’s hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Los Angelesand Seattle.

WestJet guests can reach Delta’s expansive U.S. network on a single purchased ticket with check-in for all flights at the first departure, baggage tagged to their final destination and lounge access for select guests. Additionally, frequent flyers of both airlines will continue to enjoy extensive reciprocal benefits anytime they fly with either carrier, including earning and redeeming WestJet dollars across the entire itinerary.

Summary of New Markets

WestJet aircraft photo gallery: