Westjet mechs unionizing

[Bug_Stomper_01]

WJ pilots and fa's unionized years ago,

That was 20 years ago and under much better circumstances. And yes, there seems to be much more turnover there now since onex bought it out

Dude, do you have any idea of what you're talking about? Or just like to speak about things you know little about? WJ pilots did not unionize 20 years ago. Go back to the maintenance sub.

Oh wait, this is the maintenance sub lol. This is what I get for viewing by active topics.

I didn’t look into it but I was assuming he was talking about their initial launch years as Westjet, which were under much better circumstances. I know probably most of the sr ames there and their sentiment resonates with the rest. Disclaimer: I have no idea if Westjet had a union at any time prior to onex ownership, in fact I thought it was the one of if not the only large carrier that wasn’t in Canada.

[Pat Richard]

FYI WJ pilots unionized in 2017, FA's 2018, ONEX takeover in 2019. A number of airport agents have also taken the plunge since 2019.

[Pat Richard]

Which time was that?

WJ pilots and fa's unionized years ago, before onex, and I dont recall people bailing because of it, but I do know wj now is losing staff almost regularly.

Isnt Cascade Aerospace unionized also? Again years ago, and I never heard of people leaving enmasse after certification. I remember KFC pilots unionizing 20 odd years ago, no exodus. Who else?

In any case, the company has already phukked up royaly when a long serving workforce has come to the conclusion that the only alternantive is unionization.

Good on the mechs for uniting because if there's anything management or government hates its the masses united.

There was no mass exodus, but there were a bunch that couldn’t sustain the years of fighting and opted out. It happens every time.

Many have opted out due to management practices also

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Which time was that?

WJ pilots and fa's unionized years ago, before onex, and I dont recall people bailing because of it, but I do know wj now is losing staff almost regularly.

Isnt Cascade Aerospace unionized also? Again years ago, and I never heard of people leaving enmasse after certification. I remember KFC pilots unionizing 20 odd years ago, no exodus. Who else?

In any case, the company has already phukked up royaly when a long serving workforce has come to the conclusion that the only alternantive is unionization.

Good on the mechs for uniting because if there's anything management or government hates its the masses united.

There was no mass exodus, but there were a bunch that couldn’t sustain the years of fighting and opted out. It happens every time.

Many have opted out due to management practices also

Multiple reasons stemming from the change. Maybe it’ll be a good thing, hope it is for everyone that is working there and wants to make it a long term job.

[averageatbest]

Once you unionize, prepare to strike. The company will continue to punish it's employees in an effort to increase productivity.

WestJet is run by people who don't understand that the people who actually do work in the company are not beneath management in anything but financial compensation.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Once you unionize, prepare to strike. The company will continue to punish it's employees in an effort to increase productivity.

WestJet is run by people who don't understand that the people who actually do work in the company are not beneath management in anything but financial compensation.

Like many companies in aviation, this one is now owned by a financial and asset management company that’s public on tse. No one ever thinks to realize some of these companies don’t really need to turn a profit. It’ll be interesting to see what shares down in the coming years with this union.

[lupin]

https://www.amfanational.org/?zone=/uni ... ge=WestJet

Done deal, Westjet AMEs are now represented bu AMFA.

The technicians at AC have also filed at the CIRB for representation by AMFA. I'll post results when they become available.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

https://www.amfanational.org/?zone=/uni ... ge=WestJet

Done deal, Westjet AMEs are now represented bu AMFA.

The technicians at AC have also filed at the CIRB for representation by AMFA. I'll post results when they become available.

That’s good, hopefully that’ll drive rates up a bit

[aviationfella038]

Can anyone give an idea of current ACA rates?

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Can anyone give an idea of current ACA rates?

Hopefully some guys will chime in, I know there’s a few on here that are currently working there.

[Nightshiftzombie]

A little over $45/hr at the top. Plus 7-10% ACA premium and a 20% match (held back one year) for RRSP/TFSA or cash.

[-42]

Ahem. What really? I made that 10 years ago.

[Pacqing]

ACA at $45 an hour to release a 737?

[Spot2go]

ACA at $45 an hour to release a 737?

And 787

[Bug_Stomper_01]

A little over $45/hr at the top. Plus 7-10% ACA premium and a 20% match (held back one year) for RRSP/TFSA or cash.

That’s what I’ve heard from others as well. Thanks for sharing

[-42]

All I can say is your union representation is a bit underwhelming. Just sayin.

[Meatservo]

Getting back to the original quote, where they said the engineers deserve distinction and respect.

As a pilot, I couldn't agree more. I also empathize with the poster who observed that AMEs are often pressed into service doing rampie and groomer shit. I feel like I have starred in that movie in my career too.

I wish the Westjet Engineers all the best. It's the licensed staff that makes the planes move; not the paper-pushers and hi-viz-clad NPCs.

[BMLtech]

A little over $45/hr at the top. Plus 7-10% ACA premium and a 20% match (held back one year) for RRSP/TFSA or cash.

Interestingly, BC transit is advertising on the radio for licensed truck transport mechanics at $46 and change per hour STARTING WAGE.

[Tolip]

When do you think this new union could be in a legal strike position? I know it still early stages (very esrly) but just curious if anyone has any clue. WJ could be looking and a non stop revolving door of strikes if they dont get serious about increasing wages and working conditions.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

A little over $45/hr at the top. Plus 7-10% ACA premium and a 20% match (held back one year) for RRSP/TFSA or cash.

Interestingly, BC transit is advertising on the radio for licensed truck transport mechanics at $46 and change per hour STARTING WAGE.

That’s low too. Can’t compare Canadas garbage wages to anything else really.

[BMLtech]

A little over $45/hr at the top. Plus 7-10% ACA premium and a 20% match (held back one year) for RRSP/TFSA or cash.

Interestingly, BC transit is advertising on the radio for licensed truck transport mechanics at $46 and change per hour STARTING WAGE.

That’s low too. Can’t compare Canadas garbage wages to anything else really.

True but what put me right off aviation is the fact that the other trades pay newly licensed techs more to start than AME's make at the very top of the typical pay scales..

[Bug_Stomper_01]

Interestingly, BC transit is advertising on the radio for licensed truck transport mechanics at $46 and change per hour STARTING WAGE.

That’s low too. Can’t compare Canadas garbage wages to anything else really.

True but what put me right off aviation is the fact that the other trades pay newly licensed techs more to start than AME's make at the very top of the typical pay scales..

For the most part that is very true. It’s criminal guys with hundreds of thousands in endorsements and training and years of experience arent even making $50/hour. The average heavy duty with any factory training is making north of $75 with a schedule and incomparable benefits / stipends / pensions etc. Canadian operators don’t value their AME staff and it damn well shows. All they want is wet licenses at dog sh1t rates to certify what they tell them to. It’s pathetic