The threat of a strike by WestJet airplane mechanics is off the table B次元官网网址� for now B次元官网网址� after both sides agreed to resume negotiations, but not before nearly 50 flights were cancelled.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board said it needs more time and submissions from each party before deciding whether to create a collective agreement via binding arbitration, as proposed by WestJet earlier this week.

That request to the labour tribunal prompted a 72-hour strike notice from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association on Monday evening.

The labour board also declined to bar job action for the time being, landing the airline back at square one B次元官网网址� the bargaining table B次元官网网址� after a gambit that included cutting off talks with the union temporarily.

In anticipation of a potential strike, WestJet called off 45 flights on Wednesday and Thursday as it began to concentrate and park its 180-plane fleet, affecting thousands of passengers.

In overnight statements, both sides said they will return to the table to try to sort out their differences around a contract for the 670-plus mechanics B次元官网网址� their first with the Calgary-based airline.

Union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative deal last week and voiced opposition to WestJetB次元官网网址檚 request for arbitration.

By Thursday morning, the union had rescinded its strike notice and said it will not trigger job action B次元官网网址渨hile, in its determination, bargaining remains productive.B次元官网网址�

WestJet said it hopes to hammer out a resolution without further service disruption and aims to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.

B次元官网网址淲e recognize the impact the initial cancellations had on our guests and our people, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,B次元官网网址� WestJet Airlines president Diederik Pen said.

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