Saskatoon Airport hopes for quick resolution as WestJet mechanics' lockout looms

A spokesperson for the Saskatoon Airport said they expect no immediate impact to operations in light of an impending lockout of WestJet mechanics.

A spokesperson for the Saskatoon Airport said they expect no immediate impact to operations in light of an impending lockout of WestJet mechanics.

On Saturday, WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its mechanics, warning a work stoppage could happen as early as Tuesday.

The Calgary-based airline said in a statement that the decision followed an announcement of a strike vote by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents approximately 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups with the carrier.

The union is currently negotiating its first collective agreement with the airline, and has warned travellers in social media posts against booking with WestJet in the near future, "as a work stoppage may result in unwanted delays and disruptions."

Wages, outsourcing, scheduling and layoff protection have been cited by the union as issues in the negotiations.

In a statement to CTV News on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Saskatoon Airport said they were in regular communication with the small group of local aircraft mechanics and were working to ensure the airport’s regular operations aren’t interrupted if the lockout goes ahead.

“The airport continues to work closely with WestJet to coordinate their needs in order to ensure the least impact to flights and passengers as possible should the lock-out proceed,” the statement said.