Airlines
WestJet’s AMEs strike after CIRB ruling, Labour minister looks at next steps
WestJet’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) -- represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) -- began strike action last night (June 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm ET) after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled that Labour Minister Seamus O’Reagan’s referral of WestJet’s and AMFA’s negotiations for a first collective agreement to binding arbitration “does not have the effect of suspending the right to strike or lockout.” [CLICK HERE to see CIRB’s letter to WestJet and AMFA] This afternoon, in an updated statement on X, formerly Twitter,...
WestJet, AMFA strike averted as minister of labour steps in
The strike by WestJet’s mechanics has been averted. Canada’s federal minister of labour, Seamus O’Reagan said in a statement that: “As Minister of Labour, I am using my authorities under the Canada Labour Code to further the goals of last week’s Section 80 referral to help the parties reach their first collective agreement.” Minister O’Reagan’s statement continued: “I have directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final binding arbitration to resolve outstanding terms of the collective agreement.” Minister O’Reagan had referred WestJet...
WestJet initiates multiple flight cancellations in anticipation of strike
WestJet has started cancelling flights, as the airline reacts to its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees plan to go on strike as of Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. MT. This action ensures the airline can safely park its aircraft in a controlled manner, while enabling proactive communication and preventing the stranding of WestJet's guests and crew. Strike notice served WestJet has presented the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) with a Canadian industry-leading agreement that is better suited than the previously rejected tentative...
WestJet receives second strike notice; potential work stoppage looms ahead
On June 25, WestJet received a second strike notification, in the span of just over a week, from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and other Technical Operations employees under the bargaining unit. The work stoppage, initiated by AMFA, could occur as early as Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. MT in advance of the long weekend, where more than 70,000 guests per day are booked for travel. AMFA delivered strike notice less than one day into the parties' mutual agreement to return to the bargaining...
Air Canada launching new flights from Quebec City to Tulum
Air Canada is launching new weekly flights from Québec City to Tulum*, Mexico's newest airport in the Yucatan peninsula, beginning Dec. 13, 2024. The airline will also resume non-stop services from Québec City for winter 2024-25 to popular sun destinations: Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Cana and Cancun. "We are excited to launch new non-stop flights from Québec City to Tulum, offering convenient access to Mexico's Mayan Riviera, as well as resuming non-stop service from Québec City to popular sun destinations. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations provide a wide range of travel...
BermudAir hires Leslie Peden as SVP, sales & distribution
BermudAir, Bermuda's flagship airline, has appointed Leslie Peden as senior vice-president, sales and distribution. In this new role, Leslie is responsible for BermudAir’s travel partner channel strategies and engagement globally, as well as the airline’s multi-channel distribution activities. Leslie brings vast experience in the international airline industry and from previous executive positions in the sales and distribution of luxury rail, cruise and high-end tour business. Prior to joining BermudAir, he held senior leadership roles with Virgin Atlantic, Rocky Mountaineer,...
WestJet flying direct to Frankfurt from Canada via Condor
WestJet guests will gain direct access to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) from five Canadian airports through the expansion of WestJet's long-standing partnership with Condor Airlines. Expanding upon the airlines’ previous interline agreement, WestJet and Condor will codeshare for the first time in their 10-year partnership. Through the agreement, WestJet will sell itineraries on flights operated by Condor Airlines from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Halifax to Germany’s busiest airport, with the ease of a single ticket and through checked baggage, earning WestJet...
Air Transat annualizes flights to Nantes from Montreal
Air Transat is now offering year-round flights to Nantes, France and is adding an additional frequency to its new service to Marrakech, Morocco, as well as to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. These new flight options, all offered departing Montreal, are now available for booking on the Air Transat website. Air Transat is consolidating its position as the leading carrier between Quebec and France by annualizing its exclusive Montreal-Nantes route. Travel enthusiasts will be able to fly to this western French destination on Fridays and Sundays from November to April. It is the fourth French...