(Reuters) – The union representing striking mechanics at Canada’s WestJet Airlines said on Monday it had negotiated a contract with the carrier, ending their strike with immediate effect.
WestJet said its members will return to work to restore the network after the airline was forced to ground 130 aircraft at 13 airports across Canada. The airline expected more disruptions over the next week as aircraft and crew return to their locations.
The union said the contract covers the next five years without providing details on the new wage deal.
The carrier canceled an additional 410 flights Sunday for a total of more than 800 after the union representing about 680 WestJet workers, including aircraft maintenance engineers, went on strike Friday after 97% of its members rejected a pay deal reached in May. .
“WestJet and AMFA have reached an agreement in principle, after Canadians ran out of patience,” Canadian Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan said in a post on Twitter.
The minister urged the union and the airline to resolve their differences and reach an agreement.