WestJet mechanics have gone on strike one day after Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding issues of the collective agreement between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).
Mark Denesuk, a spokesperson with the union confirmed to CBC News that as of Friday the mechanics were on strike.
In a statement Thursday, the AMFA said there is no modern precedent for the minister’s action. However, the union said it will comply with the order and directed its members to avoid any unlawful job action.
WestJet responded to union going ahead with a strike on Friday, saying it is “outraged” with the move.
“The government has officially stepped in to provide binding arbitration and ensure we get to a resolution; the only reason for this union to continue with a strike action is to create damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and to inflict significant costs on our business,” said company president Diederik Pen.
“Given arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no leverage on the arbitration’s outcome, so it is pure retaliation of a disappointed union.”
More to come