WestJet Executive Vice President Angela Avery issued an internal communication yesterday advising WestJet employees that the carrier was preparing for a strike by its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), who are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

“We are the engineers who keep WestJet’s planes airworthy and flying,” commented AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “Given the expected inflation rate, the proposal constitutes a wage reduction with a continued chokehold on industry wages for these skilled professionals. If that is WestJet’s offer, then, yes, the carrier should be preparing for a strike.”

WestJet EVP Angela Avery warned employees about a possible strike by Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) represented by AMFA. AMFA’s National President, Bret Oestreich, criticized WestJet’s offer as a wage reduction and expressed support for a strike. Today, AMFA filed an opposition to WestJet’s integration with Sunwing Airlines, citing chaotic labor relations and the potential for a strike or lockout.

The filing also recounted that WestJet has engaged in an ongoing challenge to the CIRB definition of the AMFA-represented bargaining unit on two separate fronts and that a new group of airline employees should not be added to an undefined unit.