Canadian airline WestJet Airlines announced on Thursday that after the union representing its maintenance engineers withdrew its strike notice, both parties have agreed to return to the negotiating table, and WestJet is working to resume normal operations.
Supported by Onex Corp, WestJet competes with Air Canada and has been facing demands from employees for improved working conditions and higher wages.
After the airline announced that it would cancel 40 flights between June 18 and 19, affecting 6,500 customers, WestJet is now trying to restore normal operations.
The two parties had discussed the dispute between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) union before the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
WestJet stated that the CIRB indicated it needed more time and additional submissions from both parties before deciding if arbitration was necessary.
The company said the strike notice, which was originally set to begin on Thursday at 9 PM (ET), has been withdrawn by the union.
WestJet President and Group Chief Operating Officer Diederik Pen stated in a release: "By returning to the negotiating table, we are committed to finding a solution to avoid further disruptions to operations."
