WestJet strikes deal with mechanics, avoiding Sask. flight disruptions [Video]

Saskatchewan travelers can breathe a sigh of relief — WestJet announced on Sunday it reached a tentative agreement with a newly-formed mechanics’ union just 48 hours before a threatened lockout.

According to a joint statement from the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the two groups managed to strike a deal on Sunday, which will now go to the union membership for a ratification vote.

The deal comes on the heels of a strike vote from the union that was set to wrap up Thursday.

The union, which represents around 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups with the carrier, had cited wages, outsourcing, scheduling and layoff protection as standout issues during negotiations.

On Saturday WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union to pre-empt the strike — the move would have brought service disruptions across the airline starting Tuesday.

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