WestJet mechanics go on unexpected strike, disrupting travel ahead of the long weekend

WestJet aircraft mechanics are going on a surprise strike, which could lead to flight cancellations for thousands of travellers at the start of the long Canada Day weekend.

WestJet says Canadians can expect “severe travel disruption” if the sudden strike is not ended – a day after the airline and Ottawa thought they had averted a work stoppage thanks to a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday.

The country’s second-largest airline is once again calling for immediate intervention by the federal labour minister and the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said its 680 WestJet employees went on strike at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, arguing that the airline’s “unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”

However, WestJet says a strike would not give the union any leverage and would be “pure retaliation” as the country’s labor court is currently conducting arbitration to resolve the impasse.

Earlier this month, mechanics rejected a tentative deal with the Calgary-based airline and issued two strike notices, while WestJet asked for government intervention.