June 20 (Reuters) - Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines

said on Thursday it is working to resume normal operations after

the union representing its maintenance engineers rescinded its

strike notice, with both parties agreeing to return to the

bargaining table.

WestJet, which is backed by Onex Corp ( ONEXF ) and

competes with Air Canada ( ACDVF ), has been facing demands from

employees for improved working conditions and higher salaries.

WestJet is now attempting to resume normal operations after

the airline said on Wednesday 40 flights would be cancelled over

June 18-19, affecting 6,500 customers.

The parties had appeared before the Canadian Industrial

Relations Board (CIRB) to discuss the dispute between the

carrier and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)

union.

The CIRB has said it will require additional time and

submissions from both parties before making a decision on the

necessity of an arbitration, WestJet said.

The union, which was set to launch the strike at 9 p.m. ET

on Thursday, has rescinded its notice, the company said.

"In returning to the bargaining table, we are committed to

finding a resolution to avoid further disruption to our

operations," WestJet President and Group Chief Operating Officer

Diederik Pen said in a statement.