WestJet canceled more than 20 flights on Thursday in response to a strike threat from its aircraft maintenance technicians.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing WestJet aircraft maintenance technicians and technical operations employees, announced a second 72-hour strike on June 25.
If the strike notice is not withdrawn, a strike could take place as early as June 28 at 4:30 a.m. PST.
The airline cancelled approximately 25 flights between Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28, impacting approximately 3,300 travelers.
This decision will enable the airline to park its aircraft safely, communicate early and prevent WestJet customers and crew from becoming stranded, WestJet said on its website.
Travelers affected by delays or cancellations of their flights will receive a refund or alternative accommodation, depending on the circumstances, the airline said.
The union issued its first strike notice last week, resulting in the cancellation of about 40 WestJet flights between June 18 and 20.
The notice was later withdrawn after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) rejected WestJet’s attempt to end the strike and the employer subsequently agreed to set negotiation dates.
After just one day of renewed negotiations, the talks failed again and the union issued a second strike notice.
“With the July long weekend fast approaching, it is particularly devastating that the strike notice we received from AMFA is forcing us to cancel flights and park aircraft – for the second time in just over a week,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
“As we are forced to make this painful decision, each of us at WestJet feels the immense burden of the impact this will have on each of our guests and the communities we serve who are counting on us to accommodate their travel plans this weekend.”
Pen added that WestJet is “committed to reaching an agreement” and “has no choice but to insist on a reasonable outcome” to provide Canadians with affordable air travel.
“While we are implementing flight cancellations across our network, we will continue to conduct our operations with the highest levels of safety.”
Both AMFA and WestJet have confirmed that they remain available for negotiations.
“We have agreed to extend negotiations in Toronto until the end of this week and, if necessary, to resume them next week in Calgary,” the AMFA statement said.
Travellers who booked directly with WestJet will be notified of changes to existing travel via the email address provided at the time of booking, and those who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency should contact them directly.
Updates on flight status and travel changes will be provided on WestJet’s Guest Updates page.
-with files from Vikki Hui
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