WestJet has been forced to cancel numerous flights due to an impending strike by its mechanics and technical operations team. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), representing around 670 employees, has issued a strike notice, pushing the airline to take precautionary measures by cancelling flights. These cancellations, which have already impacted around 6,500 travelers, aim to minimize the disruption and ensure aircraft can be safely grounded without being stranded at remote locations.
The airline has reportedly cancelled around 40 flights, primarily between June 18 and June 19, 2024, as it prepares for the potential strike. WestJet has expressed deep regret for the disruptions caused to passengers, businesses, and communities that depend on their services. The strike notice comes after the union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed deal that would have made the aircraft maintenance engineers among the highest-paid in Canada, offering a 30-40% salary increase in the first year of the agreement.
WestJet has requested intervention from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to mediate the dispute and potentially refer it to arbitration. This could prevent labor action, but as of now, the situation remains unresolved. The union opposes arbitration and has criticized WestJet for what it describes as inflammatory rhetoric regarding the potential strike’s impact on travelers.
As the situation develops, WestJet continues to urge travelers to monitor their flight statuses and prepare for potential delays or further cancellations.