(Calgary) WestJet mechanics say they are ready for a work stoppage as early as Thursday evening after giving the airline 72 hours’ notice of a strike on Monday.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents some 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and other specialized positions at the carrier, said it made the decision after WestJet broke off negotiations this week.
On Monday, WestJet asked the federal labor minister to refer negotiations to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which would then arbitrate the terms of a collective agreement.
WestJet President Diederik Pen said arbitration would allow an impartial third party to come up with a reasonable deal and would also prevent a work stoppage in the meantime.
The union, whose members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative deal last week, opposes the move, saying it would defeat its goal of an “industry-changing contract.”
The airline says the strike notice “does not mean travel will be disrupted,” although it is unclear how flights might be affected by the sudden absence of hundreds of mechanics.
