The union's wage demands would cost WestJet less than $8 million Canadian (US$5.6 million) beyond what the company has offered for the first year of the collective agreement. This would cover the wages for 680 workers, including aircraft maintenance engineers, who went on strike after 97% of the union members rejected a pay deal reached in May4.
Marina Cebrian was unable to return to Spain on time due to the strike by plane mechanics at WestJet, which led to multiple flight cancellations. As a result, she had to wait an additional three days and endure three flight cancellations before being able to return home.
WestJet has offered a 12.5% wage increase in the first year of the contract. Additionally, they have proposed a compounded wage increase of 23% over the rest of the 5½-year term.